Attention in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Program
Anna Ridderinkhof, Esther I. de Bruin, Sanne van den Driesschen, Susan Maria Bögels
Journal of Attention Disorders September 15, 2018 DOI: 10.1177/1087054718797428 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Controlled comparison with intervention trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 100 |
| Population | 49 children with autism spectrum disorder and 51 typically developing children, along with their parents |
| Measures | Attention Network Test |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 52 |
| Key findings | Children with autism spectrum disorder did not differ from typically developing children in the speed of attention systems but were somewhat less accurate in orienting and executive attention. The mindfulness-based program MYmind did not significantly improve attention, although trend effects indicated improved orienting and executive attention, and robustness checks supported these improvements. |
Abstract
Objective: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show atypical attention. Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs), with self-regulation of attention as a basic component, could benefit these children.
Method: We investigated how 49 children with ASD differed from 51 typically developing (TD) children in their attention systems; and whether their attention systems were improved by an MBP for children and their parents (MYmind), using a cognitive measure of attention, the Attention Network Test.
Results: Children with ASD did not differ from TD children in the speed of the attention systems, but were somewhat less accurate in their orienting and executive attention. Also, MYmind did not significantly improve attention, although trend effects indicated improved orienting and executive attention. Robustness checks supported these improvements.
Conclusion: Trend effects of the MBP on the attention systems of children with ASD were revealed, as well as minor differences between children with ASD and TD children in their attention systems.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Mindfulness-Based Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Children and Parents Mindfulness July 16, 2019
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy in Improving Well-Being: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Literature Review Jurnal Obsesi Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini December 7, 2025
- Mindfulness and Attention: Current State-of-Affairs and Future Considerations Journal of Cognitive Enhancement December 9, 2018
Cites 9
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences October 11, 2007
- Conceptual and methodological issues in research on mindfulness and meditation. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
- Mindfulness-Based Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: Direct and Long-Term Improvements Mindfulness October 5, 2017
and 4 more in the library