An outpatient group training programme for improving leisure lifestyle in high-functioning young adults with ASD: A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of an outpatient programme on the leisure lifestyle of high-functioning young adults living at home or at an independent setting. Methods: A pre-test–post-test control group design was used. Participants (n = 12) completed self-reports on (a) need for leisure support, (b) leisure engagement and (c) satisfaction with leisure lifestyle. The programme consisted of cognitive-behavioural techniques. Results: Significant within-group changes for the experimental group (n = 7) were found, indicating decreases in ‘need for leisure support’, more regular leisure engagement patterns and an increase in ‘leisure satisfaction’ following the programme. Between-group statistics reveal medium and large effect sizes for decreases in need for leisure support and a medium effect size for increase in ‘leisure satisfaction’, all in favour of the experimental group. Results regarding ‘leisure engagement’ were less clear. Conclusion: The preliminary programme was effective in improving leisure lifestyle and suggestions for future research are discussed.