Perspectives on therapy for adults with Autism and anxiety
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring what is most valued in therapy for anxiety for adults with Autism
IRAS ID
228421
Contact name
Chantelle Gardiner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Staffordshire University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
What is most valued from therapy for anxiety by people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
It is hoped that this research will contribute to the delivery of effective interventions for people with ASD who experience anxiety. ASD is a lifelong developmental disorder which affects social interaction, communication skills and interests and behaviour. Many people with ASD experience high levels of anxiety and those with average or above intellectual functioning are likely to be signposted to mainstream services such as Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT). The introduction of IAPT has made therapy more accessible to people experiencing psychological difficulties. However, NICE (2012) states that whilst facilitated self-help is shown to be an effective intervention for individuals experiencing anxiety, the number of individuals with ASD taking up these interventions is limited due to problems with accessibility and a lack of adaptability. NICE (2012) states that developing innovative techniques and procedures could help in making such interventions more accessible.
This study will use Q methodology to explore the perspectives of people with ASD. This will be considered together with the views of healthcare professionals who provide therapy to adults. Q methodology allows subjective viewpoints on a particular topic to be analysed so that similarities, differences and patterns can be identified within and between groups (Shinebourne, 2009). The aim is to contribute to the development of services so that interventions can be modified as necessary to meet the needs of individuals who most need them. The study will involve participants arranging a set of statements, which they are asked to arrange in line with their personal views e.g. on a scale of most valued to least valued. Following this, participants will be asked a few questions about their ordering of the statements to gain a better understanding of their perspective. It should take approximately 45 minutes for participants to complete the activity. The study will be conducted on NHS sites in an appropriate room.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EM/0332
Date of REC Opinion
21 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion