Mindfulness Training for Autism

Overseen By Shanna Delaney, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arizona State University

Disqualifiers: IQ <70, Major medical illnesses, Seizures, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine how stress-reduction classes can enhance brain function and alleviate symptoms in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will join one of two groups: one group will learn Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction techniques, including mindfulness practices and gentle stretching, while the other will focus on relaxation and social support. Researchers will use brain scans and self-reports to assess changes in brain function related to improved emotional awareness and well-being. Adults with an ASD diagnosis who are attending college and can commit to most of the weekly classes may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research on stress reduction and ASD.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that both mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and relaxation techniques are generally safe for autistic adults. Studies have found that MBSR is a practical and well-received method for autistic adults in outpatient settings, often leading to a better quality of life and fewer autism symptoms without major side effects.

For the Relaxation Group, many people with autism have used mind-body therapies, including relaxation techniques. These methods help improve self-control and reduce stress-related issues. No strong evidence indicates major safety concerns with these practices.

Previous studies have shown that both treatments are well-tolerated, suggesting they are safe options for individuals with autism who want to manage stress. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using mindfulness training for autism because it offers a non-drug approach to managing stress and improving well-being. Unlike medications that aim to address symptoms directly, mindfulness-based stress reduction uses techniques like meditation and focused breathing to help individuals with autism manage stress and anxiety. This approach is appealing because it empowers participants with skills they can use in daily life, potentially leading to lasting benefits without the side effects associated with medication. Additionally, the relaxation group provides a supportive environment to practice stress-relief techniques, which can enhance coping strategies and improve overall quality of life for those with autism.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for autism?

Research has shown that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), one of the treatments in this trial, can help adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies have found that MBSR lowers anxiety and depression, common in people with ASD. Participants often become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, improving mindfulness awareness. Meanwhile, the Relaxation Group, another treatment arm in this trial, uses relaxation techniques reported to help people with ASD feel calmer and manage emotions better. Both methods in this trial aim to reduce stress and improve overall well-being in individuals with ASD. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Brittany B Braden, PhD

Principal Investigator

Assistant Professor; Autism and Brain Aging Laboratory Director

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 18-89 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), especially those in college. Participants must be able to attend most of the weekly classes and have an ASD diagnosis confirmed by standard assessments. Excluded are individuals with IQ <70, major medical conditions, seizure history, head trauma, claustrophobia or metal implants that affect MRI safety, and pregnant women.

Inclusion Criteria

I speak English and can understand English materials.

I can attend at least 7 out of 8 weekly classes.

ASD diagnosis via gold-standard diagnostic assessments (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2).

Exclusion Criteria

I am not pregnant, as pregnancy excludes me from this study.

Concerns that the participant may not be able to complete the MRI neuroimaging requirements for the study, including claustrophobia or metal objects within the participant's body or eyes. Implanted metal objects may create a safety hazard in the powerful magnetic field during MRI imaging.

I have no major illnesses, seizures, or head injuries causing unconsciousness.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend stress reduction classes once a week for 8 weeks, involving either Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction or relaxation techniques with social support

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in brain functioning and symptom improvements through MRI, EEG, and self-report data

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
• Relaxation Group

Trial Overview The study compares two stress-reduction techniques over 8 weeks: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) involving mindfulness strategies and gentle stretching versus a relaxation group offering social support. Brain function before and after these classes will be measured using MRI, EEG, and self-report data to see how brain changes relate to symptom improvement.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program Active Control 1 Intervention

Group II: Relaxation Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arizona State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

311

Recruited

109,000+

Banner Alzheimer's Institute

Collaborator

Trials

9

Recruited

3,000+

Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC)

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

12,100+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11506216/

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People with Autism ... The review reveals a positive outcome, including the alleviation of psychological distress, reduced behavioral problems, and enhanced cognitive and social ...

2. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-023-00398-y

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in the Treatment of ... ... mindfulness based stress reduction may be equally effective in reducing anxiety and depression in adults with autism spectrum disorders.

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1526001/full

The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for ... This meta-analysis demonstrates that MBIs significantly reduce parental stress, alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress, and enhance mindfulness awareness in ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06975163

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention in ... To bridge this research gap, this study introduces a novel 4-week Mindfulness-Based Stigma Stress Reduction (MBSSR) program tailored for parents of children ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8143306/

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Self ... This study aims to develop a clinical trial to test the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) program

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10851647/

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for autistic adults The data suggest that mindfulness-based stress reduction is a feasible and acceptable intervention for autistic adults in an outpatient setting.

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04017793

Mindfulness-Associated Brain Changes in Adults With Autism The purpose of this study to measure brain functioning before and after stress-reduction classes to better understand how symptom improvements relate to ...

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/5/316

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Self ... This study aims to develop a clinical trial to test the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) program

9. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8025402/

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Parents ... Results suggest that manualized, low intensity stress reduction strategies may have long-term impacts on parent stress.