Neurodiversity-affirming emotion-focused group therapy: an exploratory outcome study

Autistic adults experience high levels of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Autism has been associated with difficulties in emotional processing, which may reflect co-occurring alexithymia. Although other psychological approaches have been developed, Emotion-focused group therapy might also be a relevant intervention for helping autistic adults develop their emotional processing. Nine autistic adults were offered nine-week group neurodiversity-affirming Emotion-Focused Therapy (Neuro-EFGT). An observer measure was used to track change across therapy in emotional processing for affective empathy for self (emotion regulation) and other (empathy), and in cognitive empathy for self (self-reflection) and other (mental representation). Significant pre-post outcome differences were found, for both modality (therapy vs IPR; d = 2.20) and time (d = 5.68), with seven of the nine participants showing significant reliable change on emotional processing by the end of therapy. This is the first outcome study of Neuro-EFGT that offers an initial account of autistic adults’ experiences of the intervention. Neuro-EFGT may be a useful alternative therapy for autistic adults who report emotional processing difficulties.