Comparative Effects of Mindfulness and Support and Information Group Interventions for Parents of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities

J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Jun;47(6):1769-1779. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3099-z.

Abstract

This study evaluated two community based interventions for parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Parents in the mindfulness group reported significant reductions in psychological distress, while parents in the support and information group did not. Reduced levels of distress in the mindfulness group were maintained at 20 weeks follow-up. Mindfulness scores and mindful parenting scores and related constructs (e.g., self-compassion) did not differ between the two groups. Results suggest the psychological components of the mindfulness based group intervention were effective over and above the non-specific effects of group processes and informal support.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00786799.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Developmental disabilities; Intervention; Mindfulness; Parents.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy*
  • Developmental Disabilities / psychology
  • Developmental Disabilities / therapy*
  • Empathy
  • Female
  • Group Processes
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mindfulness / methods*
  • Parenting / psychology
  • Parents* / psychology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Self-Help Groups*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00786799