Themistoklis Pantazakos: Designing neurodiversity-affirmative mental health interventions for autism

Описание: T. Pantazakos1,2
1KU Leuven, Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Leuven, Belgium, 2The American College of Greece, Psychology, Athens, Greece

Trigger warning: Death and dying, Self-harm, Mental illness, Suicide

Practical impact:
This work aims to improve the mental health and quality of life for autistic individuals by identifying actionable principles for neurodiversity-affirmative psychotherapy. These insights can guide therapists in adapting their practices effectively, fostering therapeutic environments that respect autistic identities while addressing mental health challenges, ultimately reducing distress and enhancing well-being.

Abstract body: CENTRAL QUESTION: The autistic population is facing a significant mental health crisis. Autistic individuals are 20% more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and 11% more likely to experience depressive disorders compared to the general population. Alarmingly, premature death is 2.56 times more likely among autistic individuals, with suicide accounting for 31% of these cases.
Globally, autism interventions predominantly rely on behavioral therapies or unapproved pharmacological treatments aimed at reducing autistic ‘symptoms’. However, there is no strong evidence linking the degree of autistic traits with the severity of mental health issues. On the contrary, mental health ailments are negatively correlated with parental and societal acceptance. Therefore, interventions that address mental health in a neurodiversity affirmative way, i.e., without pathologizing autism, are urgently needed.
Psychotherapy holds significant potential to meet this need, but many therapists report difficulties adapting their practices for autistic clients and lack guidance on effective strategies. This study aims to address this gap by identifying principles for psychotherapeutic interventions tailored to autistic individuals.
APPROACH: Semi-structured interviews are employed to identify psychotherapy components that alleviate autistic mental health distress and enhance autistic quality of life. These interviews are conducted with pairs of clients and therapists. In alignment with the neurodiversity movement, client experience is placed as the leading insight, complemented by the professional expertise of therapists with significant work experience with the autistic community. Thematic analysis of the data will synthesize actionable insights.
OUTCOME: Preliminary findings are expected early 2025, offering principles to guide neurodiversity-affirmative psychotherapeutic practices.