← Back to Search

Behavioral Intervention

Online Mindfulness Program for Parents of Children with Autism

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Megan Chang, PhD
Research Sponsored by San Jose State University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be between 18 and 65 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up from midpoint to exit evaluation (approximately 3 months from baseline to 6 months from baseline)
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial investigates an online mindfulness course designed to help parents of children with autism manage stress and improve their well-being. The study will measure the program's effectiveness by assessing parents' stress levels, sleep quality, and resilience over time. The goal is to see if this online program can be as effective as in-person sessions.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for parents of children aged 6-12 with autism who speak English and haven't had prior mindfulness training or severe mental illness. They shouldn't be in psychotherapy or on medications for health issues, and must commit to an 8-week online program.
What is being tested?
The study tests if an online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program helps parents manage stress, improve resilience, sleep better, and support their child's behavior. It compares results before and after the course using psychological assessments and physical stress measures.
What are the potential side effects?
Since this intervention involves a non-invasive therapy focused on meditation and mindfulness practices, significant side effects are not expected. However, participants may experience emotional discomfort when addressing personal stressors during the program.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~from midpoint to exit evaluation (approximately 3 months from baseline to 6 months from baseline)
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and from midpoint to exit evaluation (approximately 3 months from baseline to 6 months from baseline) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale from baseline to exit evaluation
Change in Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale from baseline to midpoint
Change in Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale from midpoint to exit evaluation
Secondary study objectives
Electrodermal activity (EDA)
Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale
Parenting Stress Index - 4th edition Short Form
+3 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Online MBSR 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
received modified online 8-week group-based MBSR intervention delivered by a UMASS trained MBSR instructor
Group II: Waitlist controlActive Control1 Intervention
On a waiting list to receive the identical intervention as the treatment group after the active treatment group completes.

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and similar treatments work by promoting mindfulness through practices like meditation, body scanning, and yoga. These practices help reduce stress by inducing relaxation and mitigating the body's stress response. They also improve psychological well-being by enhancing emotional regulation, reducing negative thought patterns, and increasing resilience. For patients, understanding these mechanisms is important as it underscores how these treatments can effectively address both mental and physical health aspects, leading to better overall health and quality of life.
Dimensions of distress tolerance and the moderating effects on mindfulness-based stress reduction.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

San Jose State UniversityLead Sponsor
10 Previous Clinical Trials
1,917 Total Patients Enrolled
Megan Chang, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorSan Jose State University
~7 spots leftby Dec 2025