Valued Living Lite: qualitative findings from a single session ACT-based digital mental health intervention for autistic adults

Background Autistic adults experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than nonautistic adults and may experience additional barriers to seeking traditional mental health care (e.g. sensory overload, lack of qualified providers, etc.). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has been found to be effective and well-received among autistic adults and can be effectively delivered via a digital mental health intervention (DMHI). However, research exploring the perceptions of ACT-based single session DMHIs among autistic adults is limited.Methods Drawing from a larger sample of 79 legally independent autistic adults who participated in the Valued Living Lite intervention, 10 autistic adults completed optional, qualitative interviews. These interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques and a team-based approach.Results Overall, interviews suggested that the Valued Living Lite intervention was perceived as useful and valuable, with only minor program usability issues identified as areas for improvement. We identified perceived changes in processes (shifts in emotional awareness and regulation, thoughts, and behaviors) and outcomes (quality of life and changes in relationships).Conclusion The Valued Living Lite program was perceived as useful. Continued research using randomized-controlled trials is needed to determine whether these perceptions accurately reflected changes due to participation in the program.