Exploration of the Feasibility of an Autism Mental Health Massive Open Online Course

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Browne, K., Lawson, W., Girdler, S., David, N., & Milbourn, B. (2026). Exploration of the Feasibility of an Autism Mental Health Massive Open Online Course. Autism in Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1177/25739581261471387

Publication date: 23 Jul 2026 Added to AutiHub: 30 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
5
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 5 (20.0%)
  1. Katherine Browne
  2. Wenn Lawson *
  3. Sonya Girdler
  4. Nicole David
  5. Ben Milbourn

Abstract

Autistic individuals experience higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with nonautistic individuals; however, there are few services and programs specifically tailored toward the needs of autistic adults. This study explored the feasibility of the free, globally available, co-designed “Autism and Mental Health” MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) as a potential tool to help reduce poor mental health outcomes, using the Bowen framework. Autistic researchers and community members co-produced the MOOC using strengths-based content exploring how cognitive and sensory processing affect mental health while accommodating challenges faced by autistic individuals. The researchers employed a multi-methods research design. Analysis of post-course survey data used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of survey participant responses to open-ended questions. Between May 2023 and November 2024, 4350 learners enrolled in the MOOC, with 160 participating in the post-course survey. The results indicated that 94% of participants found the course useful, 96% reported that their skills and knowledge had increased, and 99% found the course engaging. Qualitative analysis of open-ended comments identified three themes: importance of autistic voice, need for understanding autism, and the importance of mode of delivery. The researchers determined that the MOOC meets the feasibility criteria to recommend the MOOC for further efficacy testing. The results demonstrate that the MOOC has potential significance for supporting the well-being of autistic individuals by upskilling autistic people, their families, and the professionals supporting them.

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Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
53
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
14 / 53 (26.4%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
20 / 216 (9.3%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 20 / 126 (15.9%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 15 / 193 (7.8%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
126 / 216 (58.3%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 103 / 193 (53.4%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
106 / 126 (84.1%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 106 / 216 (49.1%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 88 / 103 (85.4%).
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