There has been increasing interest in digital care in recent years, especially as the demand for care continues to grow. Research has shown that digital care sometimes works just as well to reduce symptoms as regular care. We do not yet know well enough whether this is also true for adults with autism. Perhaps people with autism could also be helped by digital treatments.
The study
Research shows that some people with autism like digital communication better, such as via text, because it has more structure, more thinking time, and involves fewer sensory challenges. Digital care allows people with autism to get help when they want it.
In this project, we focus on three areas: sleep problems, making and keeping friends, and depression. We will work with autistic NAR(panel) participants to adapt and test three existing digital treatments: PEERS®, MoodBuster and i-Sleep.
We hope this research will teach us more about how to better help people with autism and make their lives more enjoyable. By researching digital care, we want to make sure everyone with autism can get good help.
Project 1: Sleep problems
Many adults with autism have trouble sleeping, especially with insomnia. In this study, an existing online self-help module for insomnia (i-Sleep) was adapted to their specific needs together with people with autism. We investigated whether this program, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, helps to improve sleep and well-being. This study has now ended. The results are currently being processed and elaborated.
Want to know more about this study on insomnia? Then take a look at this webpage.
Participation
A randomly selected group of NAR adult participants will receive email invitations for these studies. It is entirely up to you whether you want to participate. If you choose to participate, you can take the survey at home via the Internet. For this, you will need a computer or laptop.
The results
We will share the results of the 3 projects on the NAR website, under the 'Publications' section. On that page, you can find all our scientific articles, as well as articles in Autism Magazine and the NAR's annual reports.
