Alternative mental health interventions for autistic children

Supervisors: Dr Umar Toseeb & Professor Carole Torgerson

A) Rationale for the project

Autism spectrum conditions are characterized by social and communication difficulties, repetitive behaviours, and high sensitivity to sensory stimuli (APA, 2013). In the UK, the prevalence of autism is estimated at ~1 (Baird et al., 2006). Autistic children are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression meaning that they are more likely to present in mental health services for support. Much of the support offered in these settings is based around talking therapies (e.g., IAPT). This is problematic for those with language and communication difficulties, such as autistic children, as it means they are effectively excluded from accessing support for mental health difficulties.

B) References that should be read

Francis, G. A., Deniz, E., Torgerson, C., & Toseeb, U. (2021, August 2). Play-Based Interventions for Mental Health-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Focused on Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Language Disorder. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/q4e9k

C) Research aims and questions

The proposed project aims to investigate alternative mental health interventions for autistic children. Some indicative research questions to address this broad aim are:

What do parents of autistic children consider the strengths of their children? (descriptive study)
Which interventions are reported in the child and mental health literature that utilise the strengths highlighted by parents of autistic children? (systematic review)
How effective are these interventions in populations of autistic children? (systematic review and meta-analysis)
Is it feasible to implement the most promising interventions? (case study)

D) Methods

The project will combine primary data collection of experiential data with the secondary analysis of existing data and pilot testing of promising interventions. Families with an autistic child will be recruited from schools and local support services. Semi-structured interviews/focus groups will be conducted with parents to help to identify areas of strength in autistic children in terms of intervention. The findings from parent consultation will inform a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on alternative mental health interventions for autistic children (e.g., play, art, animal, music, hydro therapy etc.). These will be used as an evidence base to recommend the use of such interventions to support autistic children. Based on this evidence base a number of case studies (e.g., n = 5) piloting the potentially most effective interventions may be undertaken.