The Pursuit of Valued Living: Applying a Values Targeted Approach With an Autistic Young Person

Persistent anxiety and repetitive, restricted behaviours are common experiences for autistic young people and can be barriers to valued living and thus the opportunity to thrive. This case study presents the use of the DNA-V intervention framework, an ACT model, in an 18-month co-constructed, values targeted approach with an autistic young woman. Outcome measures were administered at multiple time points from baseline through to 3-month follow up post discharge from the service. The young woman was observed to experience improved well-being and psychological flexibility, and in particular, engaged in an increased amount of activities that aligned with her identified values. This case study offers use of the DNA-V model in practice and suggests how the importance of value identification and nurturing this skill may lead to an increase in behaviour related to enhanced psychological flexibility and well-being. The pattern observed in this case also suggests how the use of a stepped away approach in which a faded transition from intensive level to reduced involvement may link to improvements in well-being sustained over time.