Evaluating PEGASUS - a Group Intervention for Young People With an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Evaluating Psychoeducation for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder

When a clinician gives an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis they hope this will be helpful to the person receiving it and their family. In reality children with an ASD describe few benefits to receiving this diagnosis - they often report feeling confused and stigmatised by it. Parents can also struggle to understand their child's diagnosis and report needing greater support from professionals in this respect (Midence & O'neill, 1999; Osborne & Reed, 2008).

Little is known about how to help children and families integrate their ASC 'label' in a positive way. Whilst there is anecdotal evidence that psychoeducation after diagnosis can help, there has been no formal evaluation of this approach and no evidence-based programmes of this type are available. In the current study the investigators aim to test empirically a psychoeducational programme for children with an ASD ('PEGASUS'), using a randomised controlled design. The investigators aim to evaluate whether this psychological and educational intervention impacts positively upon understanding of ASC, self-esteem, functional adaption, well-being and family functioning.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Received an ASD diagnosis from Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist or Paediatrician.
2. Aware of ASD diagnosis.
3. Aged between 9 and 14 years.
4. Able to function in group setting, as evidenced in educational context.
5. Speaks English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No generalised Intellectual Disability as indicated by IQ below 65.
2. Not engaged in additional formal psychosocial intervention during study period.
3. Not taking psychiatric medication at baseline assessment, or taking a stable dose of psychiatric medication expected to remain constant throughout study participation.