Asking For Help: Evaluating the Efficacy of a Simulation-Based Mental Health Application for Autistic Youth

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section The mental health experiences of Black autistic youth (Black-AY) have been severely understudied and are often unaddressed, particularly concerning their experiences with depression and depressive symptoms. Black youth, in general, are at an increased risk of experiencing depression while navigating challenges related to being autistic. Recent studies indicate that Black-AY are significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms and frequently encounter difficulties with essential social communication skills necessary for effectively expressing their mental health needs. These findings have led us to develop an informed mobile health (mHealth) tool to support Black-AY in communicating about depression and effectively seeking mental health support. The Asking for Help program (A4H) utilizes simulated conversations and depression literacy content to enhance help-seeking behaviors through improved social communication and depression literacy for Black-AY. The proposed study employs a user-centered mixed-methods design, incorporating a convergent parallel mixed-methods methodology with a user-centered approach to 1) evaluate the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of Asking for Help; 2) modify and refine A4H to optimize its effectiveness for Black-AY; and 3) apply a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design to assess A4H's efficacy in enhancing participants’ understanding and knowledge about depression, mental health communication, self-efficacy, anxiety, and overall mental health help-seeking attitudes. The findings will expand scholarly knowledge of the depression experiences and mental health help-seeking behaviors of Black autistic youth by developing a program intended to significantly impact their mental health by offering relevant resources and personalized care that will help these youth thrive and achieve mental wellness.