Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Parents Implementing Early Intervention for Autism: An RCT
A. Weitlauf, Neill Broderick, J. A. Stainbrook, J. Taylor, Catherine G. Herrington, Amy G. Nicholson, Madeline Santulli, E. M. Dykens, A. Juárez, Z. Warren
Pediatrics April 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-1895k (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 61 |
| Population | Parents/caregivers of children under 36 months with autism spectrum disorder |
| Interventions | Parent-implemented Early Start Denver Model (P-ESDM) Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | Active treatment plus 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Parents receiving MBSR plus P-ESDM showed greater reductions in parental distress (β = -1.91) and parent-child dysfunctional interactions (β = -1.38) than those receiving P-ESDM alone. Both groups improved in overall stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety during treatment, but MBSR did not significantly affect depressive symptoms, anxiety, or life satisfaction. |
Abstract
This study examined whether parents of children with ASD reported better functioning if they received stress-reduction training as part of early behavioral intervention.
Background: AND
Objectives: Systems of care emphasize parent-delivered intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Meanwhile, multiple studies document psychological distress within these parents. This pilot longitudinal randomized controlled trial compared the parent-implemented Early Start Denver Model (P-ESDM) to P-ESDM plus mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for parents. We evaluated changes in parent functioning during active treatment and at follow-up.
Methods: Participants included children (<36 months old) with autism spectrum disorder and caregivers. Participants were randomly assigned to P-ESDM only (n = 31) or P-ESDM plus MBSR (n = 30). Data were collected at baseline, midtreatment, the end of treatment, and 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment. Multilevel models with discontinuous slopes were used to test for group differences in outcome changes over time.
Results: Both groups improved during active treatment in all subdomains of parent stress (β = −1.42, −1.25, −0.92; P < 0.001), depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms (β = −0.62 and −0.78, respectively; P < 0.05). Parents who received MBSR had greater improvements than those receiving P-ESDM only in parental distress and parent-child dysfunctional interactions (β = −1.91 and −1.38, respectively; P < 0.01). Groups differed in change in mindfulness during treatment (β = 3.15; P < .05), with P-ESDM plus MBSR increasing and P-ESDM declining. Treatment group did not significantly predict change in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, or life satisfaction. Differences emerged on the basis of parent sex, child age, and child behavior problems.
Conclusions: Results suggest that manualized, low-intensity stress-reduction strategies may have long-term impacts on parent stress. Limitations and future directions are described.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review. Brain Sciences September 30, 2024
- The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for children with autism and their parents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology 2025
- Pilot randomized controlled trial of MINDful TIME, a novel telehealth mindfulness-based intervention for autistic adolescents and their caregivers. Autism July 1, 2025
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Improving the Mental Health of Parents of Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of autism and developmental disorders March 13, 2025
- The impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric Research January 29, 2026
and 5 more in the library
Cites 4
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction for Parents of Young Children with Developmental Delays: Implications for Parental Mental Health and Child Behavior Problems Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities July 1, 2013
- Mindfulness-Based Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: Direct and Long-Term Improvements Mindfulness October 5, 2017
- An outpatient program in behavioral medicine for chronic pain patients based on the practice of mindfulness meditation: theoretical considerations and preliminary results. General Hospital Psychiatry April 1, 1982