Brief Report: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Individual Mindfulness Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Caitlin M Conner, Susan W White
Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3312-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Feasibility and initial efficacy study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9 |
| Population | Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) |
| Intervention | Adapted mindfulness-based individual therapy |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Adult Autism spectrum disorder Emotion regulation |
| Key points | Seven of nine participants improved in at least one domain of emotion regulation: impulse control, access to ER strategies, or emotional acceptance. |
Abstract
Intervention research on adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is sparse. Many adults with ASD experience impaired emotion regulation (ER), which is thought to contribute to higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities among adults with ASD and indirect effects upon adaptive functioning, interpersonal relationships, and vocational status. The purpose of this study was to investigate feasibility and initial efficacy of an adapted mindfulness-based individual therapy targeting ER difficulties for adults with ASD. There is evidence for feasibility based on acceptable treatment fidelity and participant satisfaction ratings. Of nine participants, seven demonstrated improvement in at least one of the following domains; impulse control, access to ER strategies, and emotional acceptance. Further research is recommended, including additional timepoints and a clinical cutoff-derived sample.