Realist Evaluation of a Community-Led Music Video Project for Autistic Adults

Background This study explored the experiences of autistic adult participants, parents of participants and facilitators of a 12-month music video program involving group singing, choreographed dancing and the development of three music videos. The program aimed at reducing social isolation and improving the social and technical skills of participants. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants (4 autistic participants, 4 parents of participants and 5 facilitators). A realist evaluation framework considering context-mechanism-outcomes was used to deductively organise themes identified from thematic analysis. Results Findings revealed five context themes (personal characteristics of participants, personal characteristics of facilitators, expectations, goals for the program and physical space), eight mechanism themes (adaptive teaching strategies, having choice, common interests, facilitator dynamics, group dynamics, program structure and organisation, time for social interaction and understanding and accommodating needs) and six outcome themes (improved self-esteem and self-confidence, self-expression and learning creative skills, making social connections, facing difficult emotions and working through them, advocating for and supporting each other and enjoyment and experiencing success). Conclusion These findings indicate that informal creative arts social group programs play an important role in improving self-esteem and fostering social engagement and connection for autistic adults, highlighting design considerations for future programs.