A School-Based Approach to Building Resilience and Mental Health among Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study

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  • Author(s): Shochet, Ian M. (ORCID Shochet, Ian M. (ORCID 0000-0002-4666-2128); Saggers, Beth R. (ORCID Saggers, Beth R. (ORCID 0000-0002-5877-2164); Carrington, Suzanne B. (ORCID Carrington, Suzanne B. (ORCID 0000-0001-8944-7674); Orr, Jayne A. (ORCID Orr, Jayne A. (ORCID 0000-0003-3766-644X); Wurfl, Astrid M. (ORCID Wurfl, Astrid M. (ORCID 0000-0001-9441-4025); Kelly, Rachel L. (ORCID Kelly, Rachel L. (ORCID 0000-0003-4025-7225); Duncan, Bonnie M.
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    School Mental Health. Sep 2022 14(3):753-775.
  • Publication Date:
    2022
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      23
    • Education Level:
      Secondary Education
      Elementary Education
      Grade 7
      Junior High Schools
      Middle Schools
      Grade 8
    • Subject Terms:
      Autism Spectrum Disorders; Adolescents; Inclusion; Secondary School Students; Grade 7; Grade 8; Parents; School Personnel; Intervention; Program Effectiveness; Resilience (Psychology); Coping; Self Efficacy; Student School Relationship; Anxiety; Emotional Response; Student Behavior; Depression (Psychology); Mental Health; Quality of Life
    • Accession Number:
      10.1007/s12310-022-09501-w
    • ISSN:
      1866-2625
      1866-2633
    • Abstract:
      Tackling mental health difficulties in adolescents on the autism spectrum requires a comprehensive prevention approach. A 3-year multisite proof-of-concept longitudinal study implemented an evidence-based multilevel resilience intervention in schools to promote protective factors at the adolescent, parent, and school level. The intervention, consisting of the adolescent, parent and teacher components of the Resourceful Adolescent Program--Autism Spectrum Disorder (RAP-ASD) augmented with the Index for Inclusion, was implemented in 6 secondary schools with 30 adolescents with an autism diagnosis in Grades 7 and 8, 31 parents of 23 of the adolescents, and school staff. The intervention was implemented with good validity and acceptability. Quantitative data from adolescents and parents were analysed using the Reliable Change Index, and qualitative data were analysed using Consensual Qualitative Research. Triangulated quantitative and qualitative outcomes from the majority of adolescents and their parents showed some evidence for promoting resilience for adolescents with a diagnosis or traits of autism, as reflected in reliable improvements in coping self-efficacy and school connectedness, and a reduction in anxiety symptoms and emotional and behavioural difficulties. A reliable improvement in depressive symptoms was more modest and was only achieved by a small minority of adolescents. This multilevel, strength-focused, resilience-building approach represents a promising and sustainable school-based primary prevention program to improve the quality of life for adolescents on the spectrum by promoting their mental health and providing their families with much needed support.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2022
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1346181