Neurodiversity‐Affirming Emotion‐Focused Group Therapy: An Exploratory Outcome Study

ABSTRACT Aim Autistic adults experience high levels of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Autism has been associated with difficulties in emotional processing, which may reflect co‐occurring alexithymia. Although other psychological approaches have been developed, emotion‐Focussed Group Therapy might also be a relevant intervention for helping autistic adults develop their emotional processing. Method Nine autistic adults were offered a nine‐week group neurodiversity‐affirming emotion‐focussed therapy (neuro‐EFGT). An observer measure was used to track change across therapy in emotional processing for affective empathy for self (emotion regulation) and other (empathy), and in cognitive empathy for self (self‐reflection) and other (mental representation). Results Significant pre‐/postoutcome differences were found, for both modality (therapy vs Interpersonal Process Recall; d = 2.20) and time ( d = 5.68), with seven of the nine participants showing significant reliable change in emotional processing by the end of therapy. Implications This is the first outcome study of neuro‐EFGT that offers an initial account of autistic adults' experiences of the intervention. Neuro‐EFGT may be a useful alternative therapy for autistic adults who report emotional processing difficulties.