Building tailored interventions to promote self-determination in young adults with autism: the TEAM_YOUNG ADULTS program

ObjectivesSelf-determination is crucial throughout life, yet individuals with autism often experience lower self-determination levels than their peers without disabilities. Thus, practitioners need interventions to support self-determination in people with autism, considering their specific characteristics. The objectives of this study are (a) to present the development of a program for the promotion of self-determination in people with autism, the TEAM_YOUNG ADULTS program, and (b) to assess its effectiveness through a pilot study.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted, with a mixed-methods approach, to assess the effectiveness of the program, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Fourteen participants, aged 17-25 years, were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the waiting list. Instruments were used to measure self-determination in both self-report and proxy-assessment formats. A focus group was also conducted at the end of the intervention to obtain qualitative data.ResultsThe experimental group reported an improvement in the three dimensions of self-determination: volitional action, agentic action and action-control beliefs. Facilitators and barriers to change were also discussed.ConclusionsOur findings show promising results, indicating that the program may be a useful intervention to improve self-determination in young adults with autism. Implications and future lines of research are discussed.