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Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Using eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) with autistic individuals: A qualitative interview study
Naomi Fisher1, Henna Patel2, Caroline van Diest3
1Independent Practice, London, UK.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be adapted for autistic individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions. Therapists reported tailoring EMDR to meet autistic clients' unique needs, enhancing accessibility and effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy for trauma and distress.
- Limited research exists on EMDR effectiveness for autistic individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore EMDR therapists' experiences working with autistic clients.
- To identify adaptations made to EMDR practice for improved accessibility and effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interview design.
- Semi-structured interviews with 23 UK-based EMDR therapists.
- Thematic analysis of interview data.
Main Results:
- Four themes emerged: therapists' understanding of autism, access factors, EMDR adaptations, and supervision needs.
- Therapists described offering a flexible, tailored approach while maintaining core EMDR principles.
- Adaptations were made to enhance responsiveness to individual autistic client needs.
Conclusions:
- Formulation-based psychological therapy should be flexible and informed by autistic individuals' preferences and needs.
- Further research is needed on factors influencing EMDR accessibility and effectiveness for autistic clients.
- Investigating the impact of autism-specific training for therapists and supervisors is recommended.
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