Group Virtual Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Parents of Autistic Adolescents and Adults.
Yona Lunsky, Carly Albaum, A Baskin, Richard P. Hastings, Sue Hutton, L Steel, W Wang, J Weiss
Journal of autism and developmental disorders January 9, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04835-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Feasibility study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 39 |
| Population | Parents of youth and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based group intervention |
| Duration | 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Parents Autistic disorder Adolescent Adult Autism spectrum disorder Virtual intervention |
| Key points | The authors report that a manualized mindfulness-based group intervention was feasible to deliver virtually to parents of youth and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Twenty-one of 39 parents completed it and reported high satisfaction, reduced distress maintained at 3-month follow-up, and increased mindfulness. Reported changes were similar to those in a prior in-person mindfulness group study. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based approaches have been shown to be effective in improving the mental health of parents of youth and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, but prior work suggests that geography and caregiving demands can make in-person attendance challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a mindfulness-based group intervention delivered to parents virtually. It was feasible to deliver this manualized intervention. Twenty-one of 39 parents completed the intervention and completers reported high satisfaction ratings. Parents reported reduced levels of distress, maintained at 3-month follow-up, and increased mindfulness. Changes reported following intervention were similar to changes reported in a prior study of parents competing an in person mindfulness group.
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review. Brain Sciences September 30, 2024
- Pilot randomized controlled trial of MINDful TIME, a novel telehealth mindfulness-based intervention for autistic adolescents and their caregivers. Autism July 1, 2025
- Family Carers of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities’ Perceptions of the Impact of an Online Mindfulness Programme Mindfulness July 8, 2026
- Co-designed yoga nidra targeting anxiety in autistic children: A mixed methods feasibility study. Research in Developmental Disabilities September 2026
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Parental Mental Health and Child Behavior in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Children (Basel, Switzerland) December 30, 2025
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