Online Mindfulness Program for Parents of Children with Autism

Overseen By Rochelle McLaughlin, MS

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: San Jose State University

Must not be taking: Psychotherapy medications

Disqualifiers: Severe mental illness, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 11

Duration: 8 weeks

24 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking your current medications for health issues to participate in this trial.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for parents of children with autism?

Research shows that mindfulness-based stress reduction can significantly reduce parenting stress and psychological distress in parents of children with autism, with benefits that persist over time. Studies also indicate that mindfulness interventions can improve mental health and family quality of life by reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Online Mindfulness Program for Parents of Children with Autism safe?

Research on mindfulness-based programs, including online versions, shows they are generally safe for parents of children with autism. Participants often report reduced stress and improved mental health without significant safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

How is the Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction treatment unique for parents of children with autism?

The Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction treatment is unique because it is delivered virtually, making it accessible for parents who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions due to geographic or caregiving constraints. This approach has been shown to effectively reduce stress and improve mindfulness in parents, with benefits that can persist and even increase over time. ^{1 2 5 7 8}

Research Team

Megan Chang, PhD

Principal Investigator

San Jose State University

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Inclusion Criteria

Parents have never participated in a MBSR workshop prior to enrollment

English speaking

My parents have agreed to join the 8-week stress reduction program.

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently taking medication or undergoing psychotherapy for my health issues.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline assessments including surveys and lab experiments

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants receive an 8-week online MBSR intervention

8 weeks

8 sessions (virtual)

Midpoint Assessment

Participants complete midpoint assessments including surveys and lab experiments

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in resilience, stress, and other measures

3 months

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Trial Overview 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.

Participant Groups

Group I: Online MBSR 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

received modified online 8-week group-based MBSR intervention delivered by a UMASS trained MBSR instructor

Group II: Waitlist control Active Control 1 Intervention

On a waiting list to receive the identical intervention as the treatment group after the active treatment group completes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

San Jose State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

11

Recruited

1,900+

Findings from Research

In a pilot study involving 61 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, both parent-implemented Early Start Denver Model (P-ESDM) and P-ESDM plus mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) led to significant improvements in parent stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety during treatment.

Parents who participated in the MBSR program experienced greater reductions in parental distress and dysfunctional interactions with their children compared to those who only received P-ESDM, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating mindfulness strategies into interventions for parents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Parents Implementing Early Intervention for Autism: An RCT. Weitlauf, AS., Broderick, N., Stainbrook, JA., et al.[2023]

An 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) program for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) showed promising results in reducing stress and anxiety, as well as increasing mindful attention awareness among participants.

Although the study involved only 12 parents, with 10 completing the program, the findings suggest a need for larger clinical trials to better understand the efficacy of MBSR and SC in this population and to support their integration into community intervention programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Self Compassion (SC) Training for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Trial in Community Services in Spain. Rojas-Torres, LP., Alonso-Esteban, Y., López-Ramón, MF., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group Virtual Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Parents of Autistic Adolescents and Adults. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducational support on parenting stress in families of autistic preschoolers. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative Effects of Mindfulness and Support and Information Group Interventions for Parents of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities. [2018]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Parents Implementing Early Intervention for Autism: An RCT. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness and Stress Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Self Compassion (SC) Training for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Trial in Community Services in Spain. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Virtual Resiliency Intervention for Parents of Children with Autism: A Randomized Pilot Trial. [2020]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindful Self-Care for Caregivers: A Proof of Concept Study Investigating a Model for Embedded Caregiver Support in a Pediatric Setting. [2023]