Exploring the Efficacy of an Online Intervention in Processing Experiences of Heterosexism Among Autistic-LGBTQ Individuals

Emerging literature suggests greater diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity among autistic individuals. Little is known about the challenges faced by autistic-LGBTQ individuals in coping with prejudice-events rooted in heterosexism. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of an expressive writing intervention in coping with experiences of heterosexism. This mixed-method, longitudinal, pilot study examined the impact of two writing interventions (1. a guided emotion focused therapy (EFT) intervention and 2. an expressive writing intervention) on depressive symptoms, trauma/stressor symptoms, and self-assessment of exercises among a sample of autistic-LGBTQ individuals. Repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to examine changes in participants who completed the intervention through efficacy analyses (N=34), as well as all who participated in the study using intent-to-treat analyses (N=56). Although no differences were found between conditions, participants across both groups presented with significant reduction and small effects in both depressive and trauma/stressor symptoms. There were no differences between conditions on self-assessment of exercises. Overall, results suggest this may be a promising way of coping with heterosexism among autistic-LGBTQ individuals and warrant further study. Clinical and social justice implications are presented along with future directions for research