Tailored and Transdiagnostic Internetbased Intervention for Autistic Adults

NCT07840261 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: 26RS4911OLL-1041469
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 25
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The number of individuals receiving an autism diagnosis is increasing, particularly among individuals without co-occurring intellectual disability. This group does not always present with stereotypically autistic characteristics. Instead, the cognitive mechanisms underlying autistic functioning often manifest in less apparent difficulties, such as difficulties with self-acceptance, low self-esteem, stress-related problems, low energy, or anxiety. At the same time, this group is highly heterogeneous in terms of abilities and difficulties, and consequently, their needs also vary. Over the past decades, it has become increasingly evident that autistic adults have substantial needs for support for psychological distress, while healthcare services have difficulties meeting these needs. This is likely due to a combination of limited resources and a lack of adapted and accessible interventions. Providing psychological treatment via the internet may be one way of increasing access to healthcare for this population. Internet-based interventions have been shown to be effective in treating mental health problems in other patient populations, and the internet-based format may be well suited to the needs and preferences commonly reported by autistic individuals. Within this project, we are developing an internet-based treatment for autistic adults aimed at increasing individuals' understanding of themselves and their difficulties, as well as improving self-esteem and self-acceptance. In the longer term, we hope that the treatment may also contribute to improved quality of life and sense of coherence, as well as reduced levels of anxiety and depression. The treatment is intended for autistic adults experiencing some form of psychological distress. It consists of text-based modules, and participants complete exercises with the support of an individual therapist who guides them through the treatment. If the treatment proves to be effective, our hope is that it can be implemented within Swedish habilitation services as an alternative to face-to-face psychological treatment.

Conditions

Autism

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Self-Compassion

  Self assessed Self-Compassion Scale

  From enrollment until the end of the treatment at week 18, and at follow up at 3 and 6 months

• Self-understanding

  Self-assessed questionnaire on perceived self-understanding

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 18 weeks, and at follow up at 3 and 6 months

• Self-acceptance

  Self-assessed questionnaire on perceived self-acceptance

  From enrollment until the end ot the intervention, and at 3 and 6 week follow-up

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Sense of coherence

  At enrollment and at the end of the intervention at 18 weeks, and follow up at 3 and 6 months

Study Arms (1)

Participants receiving the intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

The participants participates in an 18 week internet based, individually tailored and transdiagnostic intervention aiming to enhance self-understanding and self-acceptance.

Behavioral: Tailored And Transdiagnostic Internetbased intervention for Autistic adults

Interventions

Tailored And Transdiagnostic Internetbased intervention for Autistic adults BEHAVIORAL

The intervention is text-based and consists of a series of modules addressing different themes. All modules are provided to participants at one week intervals, and contain information about the relevant theme and questions for reflection. Participants are also asked to complete homework assignments, which they submit in writing to a therapist. The participant then receives written feedback from their personal therapist on the submitted assignments. The intervention consists of two parts. The first part is mandatory and aims to increase participants' self-knowledge. It therefore consists of several modules focusing on increasing participants' knowledge and understanding of themselves, their individual circumstances, behavioral patterns, and difficulties. The second part of the intervention consists of a number of optional modules. These modules aim both to further deepen participants' self-knowledge and to provide them with strategies to handle difficulties.

Participants receiving the intervention

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• adults (\>18 years) with a diagnosis of autism without intellectual disability who experience some form of difficulty or psychological distress related to their autism diagnosis.

You may not qualify if:

• intellectual disability, severe anxiety, severe depression, psychosis, suicidal behavior, suicide risk, or ongoing psychological treatment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Örebro University, Sweden: collaborator
• Region Örebro County: lead

Study Sites (1)

Vuxenhabiliteringen, Region Örebro Län

Örebro, Sweden

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autistic Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Central Study Contacts

Britta Westerberg, Med. dr

CONTACT

0046767672800; britta.westerberg@regionorebrolan.se

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Med. Dr

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 18, 2026
• First Posted: September 25, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): April 1, 2027
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 30, 2028
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 30, 2028
• Last Updated: September 25, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

SE (1)