Group Therapy for Autistic Adults Over Telehealth: Challenges and Guidelines for Clinicians

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with challenges in areas such as social skills and behavior, with 1 in 36 children diagnosed in the U.S. Annually, over 100,000 adolescents with ASD transition to adulthood, often facing a “service cliff” where support diminishes. Group therapy can help autistic adults by enhancing social skills, executive functioning, and emotional regulation while fostering belonging and reducing isolation. Telehealth-based group therapy offers additional benefits, particularly for those with social anxiety, geographic barriers, or limited transportation. While telehealth is effective for autistic adults, practical guidelines for virtual group therapy are lacking. This article provides recommendations for conducting telehealth group therapy, incorporating insights from clinicians and an autistic self-advocate.

Continuing Education Information

1 CE Credit, Instructional Level: Intermediate

1 Contact Hour (New York Board of Psychology)

Learning Objectives:

  1. Discuss challenges that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face when transitioning to adulthood
  2. Identify the ways group therapy can provide support for autistic adults
  3. Explain the benefits of telehealth-based group therapy for adults with ASD and practical guidelines for virtual therapy

Disclosures: No conflicts of interest to disclose. Generative AI was not used in the development or content.

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CE Disclaimers

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The National Register maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0010

Pagán et al.

Antonio F. Pagán, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and postdoctoral fellow in the Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Dr.  Pagán conducts research on autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan with a focus on key inflection points and cultural considerations. 

Stephen Armstrong, CPA, CIA, MPA, MBA, is a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD self-advocate and community advisory board member for UT Health Houston’s ‘Launching! To Adulthood’ and ‘¡Iniciando! La Adultez’ programs. Stephen is passionate about giving back to the autistic community that which he received when going through the evaluation and self-discovery process—validation, understanding, acceptance, and empowerment. 

Amy Izuno-Garcia, PhD, NCSP, is an assistant professor and licensed psychologist in the Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She specializes in the assessment of autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan.

Rainey Hughes, PhD, is an assistant professor and licensed psychologist in the Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She specializes in the treatment for autism spectrum disorder in adults.

Katherine A. Loveland, PhD, is Landmark Charities Professor of Autism Research and Treatment in the Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She is a licensed psychologist whose specialty is autism spectrum disorder.

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