Piloting Walk-In Together Single Session Family Therapy for Families Post-Autism Diagnosis

Presented by Dr Holly Foster, Dr Zoe Cloud & Rob Anderson (OTARC)

Contributors: Assoc. Prof. Josephine Barbaro, Prof. Jenn McIntosh, Assoc. Prof. Sandra Kuntsche, Ellen Welsh, Martin Pradel, Franca Butera, Prof. Alison Lane, Kim Galletti and Mick Leahy

Abstract

Families of children who receive a diagnosis of autism may experience a period of heightened stress or concern following the diagnostic process. Tailored interventions that support families to adapt and respond shortly following diagnosis can improve wellbeing outcomes for both the child and the family.

The Bouverie Centre’s Walk-In Together program is a clinical family therapy model designed to assist families to identify and address issues impacting their relationships and wellbeing within a single, 90-minute family therapy session facilitated by two therapists. In partnership with the Victorian Early Assessment Clinic, this feasibility pilot will deliver Walk-In Together family therapy to at least 10 families who have recently received an autism diagnosis for their child. Feasibility will be evaluated by uptake rates and pre- and post-therapy questionnaires assessing systemic outcomes such as family connection and wellbeing, communication, caregiving capacity and family functioning.

This presentation will share emerging findings, offering insights into families’ experiences and the program’s utility in the autism diagnostic context. The results will highlight implications for policy and service design, including the promising role of family therapy in supporting families post-diagnosis.

Presenters

Holly Foster

Dr Holly Foster

Profile image of Zoe Guest

Dr Zoe Cloud

Zoe is a non-First Nations psychologist and Clinical Research Fellow at the Bouverie Centre. Her research interests focus on family and relational wellbeing, family safety, parent-child attachment, and the evaluation of intervention models. Currently, Zoe coordinates the Family Therapy Research Program at the Bouverie Centre and is the research lead for the Workin’ with the Mob project, overseeing qualitative data collection and analysis.

Rob Anderson

Rob has over 25 years of executive experience, leading health, and social inclusion NFP organisations in CEO or Director roles.

Currently he is the Associate Director – Community, Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University. Previously he has served as CEO of community focussed organisations such as Autism Awareness Australia, Musculoskeletal Health Australia, People and Parks Foundation, and Disability Sport and Recreation. He has been Chair of Eating Disorders Victoria, Director of the Australian Self-Care Alliance and Australian Ethical Health Alliance.

Rob is passionate about ensuring the principles of access and equity are universally applied to community service and program delivery, to achieve positive health outcomes for both individuals and their communities.