Abstract
ObjectivesThe current study evaluated the use of MYmind, a concurrent mindfulness program in which youth with autism and their parents simultaneously receive group specific mindfulness training. Youth with autism can experience emotional and behavioral challenges, which are associated with parental stress. Mindfulness-based programs are emerging as a promising support for these challenges, for both children and parents. While two studies have documented the use of concurrent parent-child programs, neither involve control conditions.MethodsUsing a within-subject repeated measures design with a baseline component, 23 parent-child dyads were assessed on mindfulness, mental health, and youth emotion regulation and autism symptoms. Participants also rated their perceived improvement on a social validity questionnaire.ResultsThere was improvement in youth autism symptoms, emotion regulation, and adaptive skills, and in parent reports of their own mindfulness following the program. There was also some indication of a waitlist effect for parent mental health, but not for other outcome variables. Participant feedback was mainly positive.ConclusionsMYmind has the potential to contribute to emotion regulation and adaptability in youth with autism, and mindfulness in parents, though more rigorous controlled trials are needed.
Highlights
No significant changes were reported by youth or parents on measures of youth mental health
Following the program, parents reported improvements in Overall autism symptoms and in Social Motivation, which were maintained at follow-up, with small to medium effects
The lowest noted improvement rating was for parent self-report on quality of life; 21% of parents believed they had gained no improvement in their quality of life. This is the third study to examine parent and youth changes following participation in MYmind, a concurrent mindfulness-based training (MBT) program designed for individuals with autism and their parents
Summary
The current study evaluated the use of MYmind, a concurrent mindfulness program in which youth with autism and their parents simultaneously receive group specific mindfulness training. Youth with autism can experience emotional and behavioral challenges, which are associated with parental stress. Mindfulness-based programs are emerging as a promising support for these challenges, for both children and parents. While two studies have documented the use of concurrent parentchild programs, neither involve control conditions. Methods Using a within-subject repeated measures design with a baseline component, 23 parent-child dyads were assessed on mindfulness, mental health, and youth emotion regulation and autism symptoms. Participants rated their perceived improvement on a social validity questionnaire
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