Brief Report: Single-Session Interventions for Mental Health Challenges in Autistic People: An (Almost) Empty Systematic Review

J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Apr 11. doi: 10.1007/s10803-024-06313-6. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSingle-session interventions (specific, structured programs that intentionally involve just one visit or encounter with a clinic, provider, or program) have been proven to prevent or reduce mental health challenges and reduce barriers to access. This review aimed to identify and synthesise literature on the acceptability, feasibility, effectiveness, or efficacy of (non-pharmacological) single-session interventions for autistic people. Four databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and ProQuest) were searched in 12.7.2023, with no date restrictions. Search terms were selected to identify articles reporting on single-session interventions in autistic people. Two raters screened titles/abstracts of 286 articles and full text of 17 articles, resulting in just two included articles, reporting on 46 participants. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS). The two included papers report on specific techniques taught within a single visit to a clinic using pre- and immediate post-intervention questionnaires. One study also reported on cortisol levels pre and post. Neither study reported on acceptability or feasibility of single-session interventions. However, there was insufficient quality evidence to evaluate the effectiveness or efficacy of single-session interventions for autistic people. Although there is substantial research on single-session inte...
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research