Enhancing the social networks of adults with ASD: a low level community intervention

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to design and evaluate an innovative community-based service for adults with autism in a rural region of Northern Ireland. The goal was to reduce their social isolation through gaining social skills and building social networks. Design/methodology/approach Over three years, 54 persons with a median age of 21 years received 12 months of one-to-one, personalised support and opportunities to participate in peer groups and social activities which are detailed in the paper. Quantitative and qualitative information about the impact of the service was obtained from its users, their relatives, as well as service personnel. Findings Service users rated themselves to have changed in more ways than did their relatives and staff although there was a consensus that the changes were most marked in terms of spending more time out of the house, engaging in more community activities, being more independent and increased confidence. The main benefits they perceived from participation in the project were socialising, new experiences and learning new things. Research limitations/implications As with many service projects, a longer term follow-up of service users was not possible due to resource constraints. Practical implications The service could be replicated with suitable staff although current constraints on social care budgets have limited its expansion to more users and extension to other areas in Northern Ireland. Social implications Reducing the social isolation of adult persons with autism spectrum disorders needs to be personalised to the person, their living circumstances and the community in which they live. Family carers also stand to gain from community support services. Originality/value This low level, low cost service was implemented in a predominantly rural area with a majority of users from socially deprived areas.

Using formative research to develop HEARTS: A curriculum-based healthy relationships promoting intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum

“…Prior research has demonstrated that the social networks of autistic adults may be enhanced through classes and low level community interventions, such as providing one-to-one personalized support and opportunities to participate in peer groups and social activities (McConkey et al, 2021). In addition, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)-type approaches have been found to be effective for social anxiety and to improve social motivation (Bemmer et al, 2021), and interventions such as PEERS and Circles have been found to improve friendship quality and conversational skills in adolescents and young adults aged 15–26 years old (Rose et al, 2021; Wyman & Claro, 2020).…”

Nurturing the Positive Mental Health of Autistic Children, Adolescents and Adults alongside That of Their Family Care-Givers: A Review of Reviews

“…The presence of a trusted partner (such as a parent or sibling) can be helpful even if they remain in the background. Being part of a group of teenagers and young adults with autism also builds motivation as they meet like-minded individuals who may be more tolerant of their unusual traits as well as providing role models for appropriate social behaviours [29].…”