Early Reflections on the Therapeutic Effects of Mindfulness-Based Therapies in Adults with Autism and Suggestions for Future Research.
Journal of psychiatry and brain science 2021 DOI: 10.20900/jpbs20210013 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults with autism spectrum disorder |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based therapies |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Autism Clinical trial Intervention Mood Rumination Stress |
| Key findings | Argues that although emerging research suggests mindfulness-based therapies benefit adults with autism spectrum disorder, it remains unclear which intervention components are active, how broad and durable the effects are, and what psychological and neural mechanisms drive change; the authors propose directions for future research to address these gaps. |
Abstract
Emerging research suggests mindfulness-based therapies positively impact adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, questions concerning intervention active ingredients, the breadth and duration of impact, and psychological and neural mechanisms of change remain. Here we discuss what is known about mindfulness-based therapies in adults with ASD and offer suggestions for future research.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Distinct and shared therapeutic neural mechanisms of mindfulness-based and social support stress reduction groups in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience 2023
- Pilot randomized controlled trial of MINDful TIME, a novel telehealth mindfulness-based intervention for autistic adolescents and their caregivers. Autism July 1, 2025
Cites 2
- A mind full of self: Self‐referential processing as a mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of mindfulness training on internalizing disorders Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews September 1, 2018
- Cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness based stress reduction may be equally effective in reducing anxiety and depression in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Developmental Disabilities May 2017