"Stop and just breathe for a minute": perspectives of children on the Autism Spectrum and their caregivers on a Mindfulness Group.
Megan K Hatfield, Emma Ashcroft, Siobhan Maguire, Lauren Kershaw, Marina Ciccarelli
Journal of autism and developmental disorders June 30, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05542-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Feasibility study with a one-group pre-post design plus qualitative interviews Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 14 |
| Population | Children on the autism spectrum, with caregiver and child reports |
| Intervention | Group-based mindfulness intervention |
| Duration | 10-week intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Parents Autistic disorder Caregivers Autism spectrum disorder Children Group Occupational therapy |
| Key findings | No significant differences were found in anxiety, mindful attention, or wellbeing after the 10-week group mindfulness intervention. In interviews, children reported feeling calmer, parents observed differences in anxiety, and breathing and yoga were described as helpful; parents wanted more, and the group format was seen as having both challenges and benefits. |
Abstract
Children on the autism spectrum often experience anxiety. Mindfulness is growing in popularity as a method to support children with anxiety; however, there is limited evidence on mindfulness for children on the autism spectrum. This study investigated the feasibility of a 10-week group-based mindfulness intervention for 14 children on the autism spectrum. A one-group pre-post design determined outcomes of anxiety (caregiver and child report), mindful attention, and wellbeing (child report). Interviews explored children's and caregivers' perceptions. There were no significant differences in outcomes post-intervention. Five themes were identified from interviews: (1) Children felt calmer; (2) Parents observed differences in anxiety; (3) Breathing and yoga helped; (4) Parents wanted more; and (5) Challenges and benefits of group intervention.
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 2
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review. Brain Sciences September 30, 2024
- Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and hopelessness in parents of children with autism: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of pediatric nursing 2026
Cites 7
- Assessing adolescent mindfulness: Validation of an Adapted Mindful Attention Awareness Scale in adolescent normative and psychiatric populations. Psychological Assessment 2011
- Mindfulness-Based Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: Direct and Long-Term Improvements Mindfulness October 5, 2017
- Attention in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Program Journal of Attention Disorders September 15, 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
- The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale for Adolescents (MAAS-A): Psychometric Properties in a Dutch Sample. Mindfulness September 2011
and 2 more in the library