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. 2019 Mar;49(3):1154-1168.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3797-1.

Outpatient Psychotherapy for Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Condition: Utilization, Treatment Satisfaction, and Preferred Modifications

Silke Lipinski  1 , Elisabeth S Blanke  2 , Ulrike Suenkel  3 , Isabel Dziobek  4
Affiliations

Outpatient Psychotherapy for Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Condition: Utilization, Treatment Satisfaction, and Preferred Modifications

Silke Lipinski et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Many adults with autism spectrum condition (ASC) desire outpatient psychotherapy (PT). This study compared reasons for seeking PT, experiences with PT, and modifications preferred with respect to PT of individuals with ASC to non-autistic individuals with depression (MDD). Furthermore, factors predictive for treatment satisfaction were identified in individuals with ASC. A total of 262 adults with ASC without intellectual impairment and 304 non-autistic controls with MDD were surveyed. In this pilot study both groups predominantly sought treatment for depressiveness. A low level of expertise with autism was the main reason for being declined by therapists and a contributing factor to the overall treatment dissatisfaction of patients with ASC. ASC patients desire adjustments such as written communication, and clearly structured sessions.

Keywords: Adult psychotherapy; Asperger syndrome; Autism; Autism spectrum disorder; Mental health; Participatory research.

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