For Autistic Persons by Autistic Persons: Acceptability of a Structured Peer Support Service According to Key Stakeholders

Social support is a protective factor in the mental health of autistic people. Furthermore, prejudice regarding autistic people is a constraint for the development of social support programs by peers. The objective of this study is to describe the anticipated acceptability of structured peer support program for and by autistic persons. 15 key stakeholders (6 autistic adults, 4 caregivers, and 5 service providers) participated in in-depth-semi-structured interviews. We found that while a structured peer social support program is acceptable to autistic people and caregivers, there was no consensus among service providers. The latter expressed doubts about the ability of autistic people to offer support. The framing of discussions between peers, the training of peer helpers, the support for autistic leadership, and an organization that considers communicational and sensory characteristics of autistic persons, could influence adherence to such a program. Moreover, a space without service providers is an important condition for the acceptability of a peer support program.