Sydney, Australia: Autistic researcher, Dr Chris Edwards and Dr Ru Ying Cai have been recognised with the prestigious The Mental Health Service (TheMHS) Awards for their innovative Aspect Self-Compassion Program for Autistic Adults (ASPAA). This program is the first of its kind globally and has demonstrated significant positive impacts on the mental health of Autistic adults through the practice of self-compassion.
The need for ASPAA became evident following a landmark study by the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) that included 153 Autistic adults. This study revealed critical disparities in mental health outcomes between Autistic and non-Autistic individuals, particularly in self-compassion and well-being metrics, with 50% of Autistic participants scoring low on self-compassion, a stark contrast to just 8% of their non-Autistic peers. This gap reinforced the need for tailored mental health interventions.
Dr Edwards, reflecting on these findings, stated, "Our study showed that Autistic adults with enhanced self-compassion experienced better overall mental health. ASPAA was designed to fill the critical gap in effective mental health services for Autistic adults, who often face higher levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness.
“I am proud to receive this award and gratified that this program is making a difference to many,” said Dr Edwards.
ASPAA, launched in August last year, was developed based on the study insights and tested in a pilot with 39 Autistic adults, showing substantial improvements in self-compassion, psychological well-being and emotional regulation.
Dr Cai emphasised the program’s transformative impact, saying, "Practising self-compassion through ASPAA is akin to learning to be your own best friend. The participants reported not only increased self-compassion but also significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
"There has been an increasing recognition of the needs of Autistic adults, who outnumber Autistic children, yet have fewer resources tailored to their needs. ASPAA addresses this gap by providing a critical strength-based resource designed specifically for adults."
The self-compassion program is freely available to Autistic adults through Aspect’s website and includes a version for clinicians to better support their Autistic clients. This program represents a significant step forward in mental health practice, setting a new standard for inclusivity and tailored interventions.
For more details or to register for ASPAA please visit the Aspect website here.
For more information:
Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect and ARCAP
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the world’s biggest autism-specific schools programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum and their families to deliver distinct services, practices and research that recognise a different brilliant® - understanding, engaging and celebrating the strengths and interests of people on the autism spectrum.
The Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) is the research arm of Aspect. We conduct participatory research that is translated into respectful, proven practices to positively impact the lives of autistic people, their families and carers.
