GIST OF SUPPORT METHODS AND INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES USING OCCUPATIONS TO HIGH- FUNCTION AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ―FROM THE FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEW ―

Background: Recently, Adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders(HF-ASD) and its tendencies have been increasing in the field of mental health. Consequently, we need the support methods and the intervention... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Recently, Adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders(HF-ASD) and its tendencies have been increasing in the field of mental health. Consequently, we need the support methods and the intervention techniques for them based on Occupational Therapy. We gained cooperation of the occupational therapists constantly engaged in HF-ASD's rehabilitation, compared the features of supports and interventions for HF-ASD with schizophrenia.


Method: Twelve occupational therapists participated in the focus group interview. They discussed the features of supports and interventions every three types ―Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia with HF-ASD, and HF-ASD―. Furthermore, they mentioned the benefit which uses Occupations for HF-ASD. All interviews by video recording were analysed using grounded theory methods.

Results: The features of the supports and the interventions for HF-ASD indicated eight categories such as [Unification of rules]and [Understand their individual rules]. From the factors of a social adaptation had three categories of [Self comprehension and acceptance], [Recognition to the difference in the rule between oneself and others]and [Variousnesses of the stress coping behavior patterns].


Conclusion: Almost all of HF-ASD had not noticed that the rules supporting its behavior belongs to the minority. Therefore, they had produced the consequence which fails in construction of smooth interpersonal relations. Using Occupations as a common rule enables an understanding of their individual rule. Occupations can give them a practical and concrete experience, and can also obtain theoretical feedback. It enables practice of rational coping conduct acquisition, without reducing their self-efficacy.

Application to Practice: Improvement in Social adaptation of HF-ASD by Occupational Therapy will be enabled.