Internet-based Support for Young People With ADHD and Autism - a Controlled Study

Internet-based Support and Coaching for Adolescents and Young Adults With ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders - a Controlled Study

Young people between age 15 and 25 with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorders are offered internet-based support and coaching during eight weeks (chat and e-mail). Data is collected before and after the intervention and six months after end of treatment using self-report questionnaires pertaining to sense of coherence, self-esteem, quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms and socioeconomic status. Parents complete an assessment scale for the next of kin. After treatment the young people are interviewed regarding the quality of the intervention. A comparison group matched for age, gender and neuropsychiatric diagnosis is offered treatment as usual and is assessed at the same time points as the intervention group. The individuals are not randomized due to difficulties to recruit if the individuals do not know group assignment in advance.

Young people between age 15 and 25 with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorders are consecutively included in the project and are offered coaching and support during eight weeks over the internet (chat and e-mail) twice a week. Data is collected before and after the intervention as well as six months after end of treatment using self-report questionnaires (Sense of Coherence (SOC), Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA), Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD)). A parent or a partner completes an assessment scale for the next of kin. When treatment is completed, the young people are interviewed using a structured interview pertaining to the quality of the intervention. A comparison group matched for age, gender and neuropsychiatric diagnosis is offered treatment as usual (TAU) and is assessed at the same time points as the intervention group. The individuals are not randomized to the intervention and comparison groups due to difficulties to recruit if the individuals do not know group assignment in advance. In all, 24 individuals will be offered the intervention and 24 individuals will receive TAU.

Young people between age 15 and 25 with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorders are offered internet-based support and coaching during eight weeks (chat and e-mail). Data is collected before and after the intervention and six months after end of treatment using self-report questionnaires pertaining to sense of coherence, self-esteem, quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms and socioeconomic status. Parents complete an assessment scale for the next of kin. After treatment the young people are interviewed regarding the quality of the intervention.

A comparison group matched for age, gender and neuropsychiatric diagnosis is offered treatment as usual and is assessed at the same time points as the intervention group.

Young people between age 15 and 25 with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorders are offered internet-based support and coaching during eight weeks (chat and e-mail). Data is collected before and after the intervention and six months after end of treatment using self-report questionnaires pertaining to sense of coherence, self-esteem, quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms and socioeconomic status. Parents complete an assessment scale for the next of kin. After treatment the young people are interviewed regarding the quality of the intervention.

Self report questionnaire; Manchester Short Assesment of Quality of Life (MANSA), Priebe et. al. 1999.

T2: immediately after intervention; T3: 6 months after intervention. Outcome Measure is going to report a change.

Self report questionnaire; Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Montgomery & Asberg, 1979.

Inclusion Criteria: ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorder Age 15 to 30 Exclusion Criteria: No current antisocial behaviour, psychotic symptoms and/or alcohol/substance abuse

Sehlin H, Hedman Ahlstrom B, Andersson G, Wentz E. Experiences of an internet-based support and coaching model for adolescents and young adults with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder -a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry. 2018 Jan 18;18(1):15. doi: 10.1186/s12888-018-1599-9.