SUPPORTING HOLISTIC IDENTITY AND FUTURE THRIVING (SHIFT) FOR GENDER-DIVERSE AUTISTIC YOUNG ADULTS: A PILOT STUDY

Gender-diverse autistic individuals face unique and significant challenges at the intersection of neurodivergence and gender identity, including heightened experiences of stigma, systemic inequities in access to care, and mental health disparities (Strang et al., 2023; Warrier et al., 2020). Despite increasing recognition of the need for affirming and inclusive support, existing frameworks often fail to adequately address the intersecting needs of this population, leaving critical gaps in both resources and interventions (Botha & Frost, 2020). This dissertation investigates the feasibility, acceptability, and social validity of the Supporting Holistic Identity and Future Thriving (SHIFT) Guide, a community-based intervention designed to foster self-determination, community belonging, and overall well-being among gender-diverse autistic young adults. Using a participatory, mixed-methods design with three participants, this exploratory study examines the implementation of the SHIFT Guide in a peer support group setting. Data collection methods include participant surveys, facilitator observations, and qualitative feedback, providing a holistic understanding of how the intervention aligns with community needs and values (Botha & Frost, 2020). While not powered to detect statistically significant pre- and post-intervention differences, this research establishes foundational insights into the practical application and relevance of the SHIFT Guide as a resource. Qualitative findings indicated that feasibility depended on actively maintained implementation conditions (for example, environmental and material infrastructure and embedded accessibility supports), and that acceptability was shaped by procedural clarity, activity format, and the relational climate of the group. Participants described the group as consistently comfortable and supportive while also noting variability in perceived fit and novelty of content, highlighting the importance of reducing normative participation expectations and tailoring to heterogeneous gender experiences. The study contributes to the broader literature by emphasizing the importance of participatory and strengths-based approaches to supporting marginalized populations. Findings will potentially highlight the potential of non-clinical, community-driven interventions to address systemic barriers and promote well-being.