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(STRESS AUTISM MATE) CO-CREATED, GLOBAL, FREELY ACCESSIBLE APP FOR SELF-MANAGEMENT AND STRESS REDUCTION IN AUTISM SAM
Self-direction is the key to a better life This article presents a mobile application designed to promote self-insight and stress regulation in individuals with autism: Stress Autism Mate (SAM). SAM is developed entirely through co-creation with users and is non-commercial. SAM supports autistic people in recognizing stress, improving wellbeing, and learning coping strategies through daily self-monitoring and personalized tips. SAM has been scientifically validated through two Single Case Experimental Design (SCED) studies and a randomized controlled trial (RCT). SAM is a secure, privacy-protected, freely accessible tool aligned with the principles of lifestyle medicine: enhancing self-direction, insight, and preventive health. Introduction Waiting times in mental health care are long, and the pressure on individuals experiencing psychological complaints is high. Moreover, not everyone has access to mental health services. In this context, digital self-help tools offer valuable additions to existing care. GGz Centraal, a mental health institute in the Netherlands has developed an app that address the need for
A randomized controlled study (Spaargaren et al 2025) and two single case experimental design studies (Hoeberichts et al 2022, 2024) demonstrated that the use of SAM leads to: • Reduced perceived stress • Improved mental wellbeing • Increased self- efficacy in coping These effects were more pronounced in users who engaged with the app frequently. Participants reported greater awareness of their stress patterns, although some also found app use stressful (42.9%), partly due to increased stress awareness or techno-stress from notifications. Nonetheless, scientific literature shows that awareness of an undesirable state—if well supported—is a necessary step toward behavioral change and improved wellbeing (Cao et al 2022). SAM is a scalable and user-friendly tool that helps individuals monitor and manage stress in daily life. The app is available in seven languages— Dutch, German, French, Turkish, English, Danish, and Ukrainian— and is used in over 30 countries worldwide. Due to the success of SAM, a version specifically designed for young people with autism has
increased autonomy, insight, and support in daily functioning for autistic people. SAM (Stress Autism Mate) is a non-profit, GDPR- compliant app developed with and for adults with autism. It is freely available in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada. This scientifically validated app supports users in managing stress and enhancing wellbeing through daily self-monitoring and
personalized feedback based on daily short questionnaires.
The SAM App: evidence- based self-insight for autism stressautismmate.nl The SAM app was developed using a design thinking approach in collaboration with autistic adults, their loved ones, clinicians, and researchers. SAM enables users to track their stress levels in relation to activities multiple times per day (two, three, or four times) and provides personalized coping tips, such as “take a short walk” or “talk to someone you trust.” These tips are based on effective strategies from lifestyle medicine, including physical activity, social support, and relaxation. A visual overview of positive and challenging moments and activities—both daily and weekly—offers valuable insight and supports behavioral change.
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