A guided self-help workbook to boost autistic wellbeing

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a brief guided self-help wellbeing workbook designed for autistic adults. Participants engage in 4-6 sessions (30-60 minutes each) with a trained NHS supporter and complete wellbeing questionnaires before, during, and after using the workbook. The study also collects participant feedback to inform future version improvements and explores early signals of changes in wellbeing. Eligibility includes adults with autism or those on a waiting list, under community mental health care in Kent and Medway, who can consent and communicate in English. The investigation is conducted under Canterbury Christ Church University with no listed collaborators and takes place within the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust setting.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* A pre-existing diagnosis of autism OR on a waiting list for autism assessment OR self-identified as autistic and scoring above cut-off on the autism quotient (AQ-50) screening questionnaire.
* Aged 18 years or over and able to give informed consent to participate.
* Under the care of a community-based mental health team in Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust and not due for discharge during the study period.
* Have already completed assessment processes (including risk assessment) during intake by the clinical team and a management plan is in place.
* The named clinician assesses that the individual is in sufficiently stable condition to participate in the study, and is likely to remain engaged in the intervention.
* Proficiency in reading and writing English.
* If on medication for mental health, the dose is stable (minimum of 3 months) with no planned changes during the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a moderate to severe learning disability that would limit independent engagement with self-help materials.
* Engaged in another psychological therapy or psychologically-informed intervention, or due to begin another during the study.
* Current acute mental health crisis or elevated risk to self/others requiring intensive intervention (assessed via clinical team judgement).
* Insufficient capacity to engage with the study protocol or complete measures (as determined by the care team).

Where it's running

• Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust
  Maidstone, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kirsten Mann
• Email: k.mann2949@canterbury.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0) 333 011 7101

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.