Feasibility and effectiveness of a manualized group psychotherapy program for autistic adults: a naturalistic clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial interventions for autistic adults remain limited. This study evaluated the implementation feasibility and potential clinical effectiveness of a manualized group psychotherapy program delivered under routine care conditions. METHODS: Data from 115 autistic adults who completed the program in routine outpatient care were analyzed. Outcomes included pre- to post-intervention changes in social responsiveness as primary outcome, as well as self-worth, depressive symptoms, and quality of life as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Overall social responsiveness improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention. Significant post-intervention improvements were further detected for self-worth and depressive symptoms, while quality of life showed no significant change. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate that the manualized group psychotherapy program seems to be feasible in routine clinical care and was associated with improvements in social functioning, self-worth, and depressive symptoms, suggesting preliminary clinical effectiveness. However, randomized controlled trials are warranted to further establish efficacy.