Neurodiversity in Practice: a Conceptual Model of Autistic Strengths and Potential Mechanisms of Change to Support Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in Autistic Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Neurodiversity affirming frameworks are a paradigm shift from a deficit-focused approach to autism to recognizing autism as a heterogeneous constellation of differences in abilities and strengths. This article completed a literature review and data synthesis to (1) identify autistic strengths used in the design of psychosocial interventions, (2) propose mechanisms of change that explain strength-based psychosocial intervention effects on mental health and wellbeing outcomes, and (3) integrate findings in a conceptual model for testing in future research studies. Methods A search for articles was completed in June 2023 and resulted in 24 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The Distillation and Matching Model methods were used to code articles and subsequent conceptual groupings generated categorical domains included in the conceptual model. Results Autistic strengths identified in the design of psychosocial interventions were grouped into four domains: (1) perceptual, (2) reasoning, (3) expertise, and (4) character strengths. Mechanisms of change were grouped into four domains: (1) affective, (2) behavioral, (3) cognitive, and (4) physiological. The resulting conceptual model presents autistic strengths that can be leveraged in psychosocial interventions and potential mechanisms of change that explain intervention effects on mental health and wellbeing. Conclusions Growing focus on the translation of positive psychology has resulted in strength-based psychosocial intervention programs. However, intervention strategies have not leveraged the diverse array of autistic strengths identified by autistic individuals, their families, and their communities. Furthermore, research is needed to determine mechanistic paths by which strength-based interventions achieve positive effects on mental health outcomes in autistic children and adolescents.