dfusion is thrilled to share our latest published research article: “Designing and Pilot Testing SkillFlix for Autistic Young Adults: A Communication and Healthy Relationship Skills Video Library” – now published in Autism in Adulthood!
Working closely with autistic young adults and autism experts, we developed and tested SkillFlix AYA – a video library of 20 short, targeted lessons focused on skills around apologies and addressing hurtful comments, designed specifically for autistic learning preferences. Here are some highlights from the article that describes the prototype development (Phase I) process and outcomes.
Community-Centered from Day One This wasn’t research about autistic young adults – it was research with them. Autistic voices were centered at every stage:
- Advisory Leadership: Two advisory panels (autism professionals + autistic young adults) guided content priorities and identified crucial gaps in existing resources
- Authentic Storytelling: We collaborated with 6 autistic young adults as scriptwriters who drew from their lived experiences to create realistic scenarios and dialogue
- Representation that Matters: 62% of our actors were autistic, portraying diverse characters with different support needs, identities, and life situations. Our cast included people using AAC, characters with visible stims, and representation across gender, racial, and cultural diversity
- Inclusive Production: We created accessible filming environments and accommodations, with autistic staff in key roles including our Project Director
Phase I Results (n=17): Qualitative comments from participants underscored the positive impact of seeing characters in the videos who reflected their own identities – “dyed hair, POC, piercings and all” – and scenarios that felt real to their experiences, not “basic elementary school explanations.” Quantitative results from surveys and skill practice demonstrated the effectiveness of the video-based resource.
- Dramatic increase in observed relationship skills (from ~3 to ~9 skill steps demonstrated)
- Significant improvements in self-rated confidence for giving and asking for apologies
- Outstanding usability scores and authentic representation that participants said “makes me feel seen”
Sneak Preview of our Phase II Success: We’ve also just completed our full randomized controlled trial with 115 participants! Results show significant improvements in conflict resolution, feedback skills, participant confidence, and reduced social isolation. The SkillFlix AYA resource is now available with 150+ videos covering communication, self-advocacy, workplace skills, and more https://skillflix.training/channels/young-adults
This work was supported by a Phase I and Phase II SBIR from National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and represents the power of truly collaborative, community-engaged research. None of this would have been possible without our incredible autistic collaborators who co-created every aspect of this resource!