Supporting Newly Identified or Diagnosed Autistic Adults: An Initial Evaluation of an Autistic-Led Programme

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Crane, L., Hearst, C., Ashworth, M., Davies, J., & Hill, E. L. (2020). Supporting Newly Identified or Diagnosed Autistic Adults: An Initial Evaluation of an Autistic-Led Programme. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(3), 892-905. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04486-4

Publication date: 7 Apr 2020 Added to AutiHub: 5 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. Laura Crane
  2. Caroline Hearst *
  3. Maria Ashworth
  4. Jade Davies
  5. Elisabeth L. Hill

Abstract

Sixteen adults (diagnosed or self-identified as autistic) participated in one of two iterations of a ten-week autistic-led programme, aimed at helping autistic adults learn more about autism within a peer group context. Motivations for taking part in the programme included a desire for: (1) exploration of autism; (2) empowerment; and (3) the development of practical strategies and coping mechanisms. Interviews were conducted upon completion of the programme and again 6 months later. Using thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (1) appreciation of the autistic-led nature of the programme; (2) unity in diversity; and (3) developing a positive, practical outlook on autism. These promising initial results highlight the value of autistic-led peer support for those recently diagnosed/identified as autistic.

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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 11:30.

Cited references
39
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
4 / 39 (10.3%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
7 / 160 (4.4%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 7 / 81 (8.6%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 7 / 127 (5.5%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
81 / 160 (50.6%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 55 / 127 (43.3%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
74 / 81 (91.4%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 74 / 160 (46.2%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 48 / 55 (87.3%).
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