Autistic young adults experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and lower quality of life. They also face challenges in accessing appropriate behavioral health interventions. Despite the clear need, there is a notable gap in research on evidence-based behavioral health strategies tailored specifically for autistic adults. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), with its strengths-based and goal-oriented framework, holds promise as a viable intervention for this population.
As a team of researchers, students, clinicians, and autistic self-advocates, we adapted the SFBT protocol for autistic adults, and developed and tested a new protocol called SOLVE. In our pilot study we found that participants engaged in all four sessions and reported feeling more empowered, had stronger motivation to achieve their goals, and had deeper insights into their autistic identity.
Our next phase of SOLVE is to train therapists to use the new SOLVE protocol to provide therapy to autistic adults, and then conduct a larger efficacy study to show evidence of its effectiveness. If you are a licensed therapist, or an autistic adult, stay tuned for these opportunities!
SOLVE is supported by the Moritz Center for Societal Impact at the UT-Austin School of Social Work
S.O.L.V.E. Study
Supportive Outcomes through Listening, Validation, and Empowerment
Do you want to create a positive change in your life?
Who can participate?
We are recruiting adults between the ages of 18 and 30 with a diagnosis of autism to participate in a University of Texas at Austin study evaluating the use of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for autistic adults.
What will participants do?
- Complete an eligibility screening questionnaire over zoom
- If eligible, complete a one-hour interview before engaging in SFBT
- Take part in 4-6 remote SFBT sessions.
- SFBT sessions will include setting goals for yourself and receiving support from a clinician to meet your goals.
- Complete a one-hour interview after the last SFBT session
- Receive a $50 gift card per completed one-hour interview for a total of $100 in gift cards.
If you are interested in participating or learning more, complete the form at the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer.
https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dp7nrc5bhdTSI3c
If you have any questions or if you need help filling out the interest form, you’re welcome to email Sandy Magaña at smagana@austin.utexas.edu
Project Team
-
Larissa Minner
Project Coordinator
Social Science/Humanities Research Professional
-
Sandy Magaña, Ph.D., MSW
Executive Director
Texas Center for Disability Studies