Developing Mental Health Supports for Autistic Students

This study has three specific aims: Aim 1: Identify mental health needs of autistic students to inform supports. Focus groups engaging key stakeholders will be used to understand the mental health needs of autistic college students and inform adaptation of two individualized mental health supports: 1) the ESP intervention and 2) protocols for monitoring mood and psychological distress. Aim 2: Develop resources to inform and guide mental health care of autistic students. Focus group information will inform 1) adaptation of clinician (ESP-C) and self-guided (ESP-S) emotional support plans and monitoring protocols and 2) develop a "College Student Mental Health Guide" to aide autistic college students, their families and mental health professionals in proactive planning for mental health supports during PSE. Aim 3: Assess the feasibility, acceptability and initial efficacy of the ESP-C and ESP-S. The study will yield preliminary data to apply for additional funding to conduct a large-scale trial to validate these methods to monitor and support mental health of autistic adults. Information gathered from the study will also be used to inform development of a mental health guide for autistic students.