‘Therapy Through the Lens of Autism’: Qualitative exploration of autistic adults' therapy experiences

Background: Autistic adults are at increased risk for mental health (MH) conditions. As such, there is a need for effective MH care services that meet the unique needs of autistic clients. However, a deeper understanding of the therapy experiences and preferences of autistic adults is necessary to inform future enhancements to clinical practice for this population. Aim: This study aimed to qualitatively examine the perspectives of autistic adults regarding past MH therapy experiences through semi-structured interviews.Method: Autistic adults (N = 19, ages 21–51 years) completed a demographics survey and participated in individual interviews to share experiences and recommendations. Findings: Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three over-arching themes and eight sub-themes. Overall, findings highlight therapeutic approaches that are important to autistic adults. Specifically, participants emphasised the value of the following strategies: (1) cultivating a safe space informed by an understanding of autism; (2) demonstrating a flexible and collaborative approach to therapy that is responsive to clients' needs; and (3) considering clients' preferences regarding talking in session when supporting personal growth and skill development. Limitations: The study was limited by a relatively non-diverse sample in terms of racial and ethnic identity and potential recall bias due to the retrospective nature of the investigation.