Designing and Pilot Testing SkillFlix for Autistic Young Adults,a Communication and Healthy Relationship Skills Video Library

Abstract

Many autistic young adults (AYAs) want to build healthy relationship skills that apply across romantic relationships, friendships, work, school, and community life. Yet, few have access to neurodiversity-affirming resources that are tailored toward adults and accessible asynchronously. To address this need, we developed and pilot-tested a video library of short, targeted lessons designed to support AYAs in building the skills they need to have successful, healthy relationships. Working with an advisory board of experts in autism and relationships (N = 5) and AYAs (N = 5), we conducted formative focus group research (N = 14 AYAs) to inform the development of the relationship skills video library. We created 20 videos on the skills Apologies and Addressing Hurtful Comments. Next, we pilot-tested the relationship skills video library with AYAs with reciprocal communication skills (N = 17) to determine whether exposure to the video library improved participants self-rated and observed skills regarding apologies and responding to hurtful comments. We found that participants’ self-rated skill levels increased in two of the three evaluated skill areas. In addition, observed skill usage significantly improved between the preintervention and postintervention evaluations. We collected extensive participant feedback on desired additions to the web platform and priority skills and topics for future videos.

Community Brief

Why was this program developed?

Many autistic adults would like stronger friendships and romantic relationships, more job opportunities, and the chance to live separately from family or caregivers. It can be hard for autistic adults to find help to build their relationships and meet these goals. Most programs to support healthy relationship skills are for children. Our team, dfusion, created and tested a collection of videos called SkillFlix AYA for autistic adults to build healthy relationship skills.

What does the program do?

The new program is a collection of 20 videos focused on two specific relationship skills. The skills are “Apologies” and “Addressing Hurtful Comments.” The videos teach each skill using short videos that show the steps people can use to apologize or address hurtful comments. Autistic adults and other autism experts helped us create the video content.

How did researchers assess the program?

Seventeen autistic young adults tested SkillFlix AYA. First, they took a survey and rated their relationship skills on a scale of 1–7. Next, they did a role-play with project staff in a video call to show two relationship skills. The skills were “Giving an apology” and “Responding to a hurtful comment.” After the role-play, the youth had a week to watch 20 videos. Then, they took the same survey and did another role-play. We recorded all the role-plays. Project staff reviewed the recordings to count when the young adults used relationship skills. Staff also talked to the young adults about their experience using SkillFlix AYA.

What were the findings?

Young adults showed more relationship skills and Microskills after using SkillFlix AYA. The number of skill steps used in each role-play went up from about three to nine skills. On the survey, young adults rated themselves much higher on their ability to give an apology and ask for an apology. They also rated themselves a little higher on how to respond to a hurtful comment. The young adults said that SkillFlix AYA was useful and gave our team ideas on how to make it better.

What were the weaknesses?

A small number of autistic young adults who can have back-and-forth conversations tested SkillFlix AYA. This means we cannot be sure the program will help all autistic young adults. Another weakness is that the role-plays did not happen in person.

All role-play skills were demonstrated over Zoom video chat to ensure safety from COVID-19.

What are the next steps?

We were given funding to make and test about 150 more videos for autistic young adults. The new videos also teach neurotypical families and friends how to communicate with autistic people. We made these videos to watch and discuss together. We will test the new videos in a research study.

How will this help autistic adults?

SkillFlix AYA can help autistic young adults who want to learn new relationship skills. It can help people deal with complicated social situations. People can search the large set of videos and find written resources, helpful links, and discussions.