In the pilot study “Digitally Enabled, Self-Referral as an Effective Approach for Young Autistic People to Access Support,” researchers piloted a new method of enabling young autistic adults (16-25 years) to access support without the need for a formal diagnosis or external referral. They developed a digital self-referral process through the Brain in Hand (BiH) system, a digital self-management system that is designed to assist individuals with autism to manage daily challenges and reduce anxiety.
The group launched a digital media campaign that reached nearly half a million people, resulting in approximately 20,000 visits to the BiH landing page. Within nine weeks, 243 youth enrolled in the program. Assessments showed that many of these participants had serious problems:
- 69% experienced clinically significant depression.
- 83% suffered from anxiety.
- 99% had moderate to high executive function difficulties.
- 60% lacked current support services.
These findings suggest that young autistics are able to recognize their own support needs and are open to seeking help when available. The study suggests that online self-referral pathways can effectively connect this group to needed resources, possibly lessening the burden on traditional health and social care systems. Through the utilization of digital platforms, support services become easier to access, timely, and tailored to each individual’s needs, enabling early intervention and enhanced mental health outcomes for young autistic individuals.
Full text: Helen Guyatt, Nicola Doherty, Jenny Limond, Zoe Swaine, Louise Morpeth, Digitally enabled, self-referral as an effective approach for young autistic people to access support: pilot study, BMC Digital Health 3, 9 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44247-025-00148-6