The experience and feasibility of an emotion-based intervention for autistic adolescents with a mild intellectual disability : an explorative pilot study

Abstract

Autistic adolescents with co-occurring intellectual disability have significantly more mental health disorders than their typically developing peers. Proxy reports suggest that poor emotions competence is a key risk factor in developing mental health disorders, but there are no evidence-based emotions-focused interventions designed specifically for this population. The aim of this mixed-method study was to investigate the lived experience of four autistic adolescents with mild intellectual disability who participated in the first clinical pilot of a co-designed emotion-based intervention, adapted from the Westmead Feeling Program. The study comprised of focus groups and questionnaires with adolescents and their parents. An exploration of the participants' intervention journey also involved tracking the development of emotions competence, social skills and mental health, and perceived feasibility of the intervention. Adolescent participants' poorly developed emotions competence skills were found to have a negative impact across many areas of their life. However, the Westmead Feelings Program "" Adolescent Adaptation, delivered as a group intervention was reported be a positive and enjoyable experience. Results demonstrated an increase in emotions competence skills and the intervention was found to be feasible for families. These outcomes provide preliminary support for the continued development of the emotions competence skill building intervention. Based on the live experience of autistic adolescents with mild intellectual disability and their parents, this study provides valuable pilot data to inform future research.

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English