Internet-Delivered Psychoeducation (SCOPE) for Transition-Aged Autistic Youth: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
• Digital Mental Health Interventions
• Adolescent Psychology

Background:

• Psychoeducation is a key intervention for autistic youth transitioning to adulthood.
• No internet-delivered psychoeducation interventions for this population have been previously evaluated.
• Spectrum Computerized Psychoeducation (SCOPE) is an 8-week, therapist-supported, internet-delivered program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the SCOPE intervention.
• To determine if SCOPE increases autism understanding and quality of life (QoL) in autistic youth.
• To compare SCOPE against an active control (web-based self-study) and treatment as usual (TAU).

Main Methods:

• A 3-armed randomized controlled trial involving 141 participants (2014-2020).
• Participants were randomized to SCOPE, web-based self-study, or TAU.
• Primary outcome: autism knowledge (Autism Spectrum Disorder Quiz); Secondary outcomes: diagnosis acceptance, QoL, mental health symptoms. Assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• SCOPE participants showed significant gains in autism knowledge compared to TAU, maintained at 3-month follow-up.
• Web-based self-study also increased knowledge initially but gains were not sustained.
• SCOPE improved QoL post-intervention and at follow-up compared to controls; no changes in anxiety or depression symptoms were observed.

Conclusions:

• Internet-delivered interventions like SCOPE can enhance access to first-line services for autistic youth.
• SCOPE effectively imparts and sustains psychoeducational knowledge in transition-aged autistic individuals.
• Further qualitative research is recommended to explore lived experiences with internet-delivered psychoeducation.