Files and links (1)
PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Thesis
Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an ecological momentary intervention for autistic adults
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Mar 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011312
Abstract
Many autistic adults experience limited access to scalable social‑emotional supports, underscoring the need for low‑intensity interventions that can be integrated into daily life. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a one‑week ecological momentary intervention (EMI) designed to enhance social attention--and thereby social‑emotional functioning--through in vivo reporting of naturally occurring social interactions. Thirty‑one autistic adults were randomized to one of three conditions (facial expression, hair color, or passive control) and completed pre‑ and post‑intervention measures, and an EMI protocol. Feasibility outcomes were mixed: retention was high, but self‑reported adherence fell below the a priori 80% benchmark, and utilization varied considerably. Equivalence tests indicated no condition differences in utilization, adherence, or acceptability. Net acceptability did not meet the a priori threshold of more than 50% of participants reporting neutral or positive net acceptability. Regression analyses revealed no condition‑related effects on behavioral, self‑report, or neural outcomes. Overall, results suggested that the EMI achieved high retention, but did not meet the a priori thresholds of adequacy for adherence and acceptability, and did not produce detectable changes in social‑emotional functioning. Methodological factors (e.g., small sample size, and challenges quantifying feasibility outcomes) and the low intensity of the EMI likely contributed to these findings. Refinements to EMI design and dose may be necessary to improve the potential impact of brief EMIs for autistic adults.
Metrics
1 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an ecological momentary intervention for autistic adults
- Creators
- China I. Parenteau
- Contributors
- Matthew D. Lerner (Advisor)Allison S. Nahmias (Advisor) - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- vii, 49 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022170253304721