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Mindfulness for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Caregivers: A Meta-analysis.

Journal of autism and developmental disorders
October 1, 2019
Matthew Hartley et al. (3 authors)
Journal ArticleMeta-AnalysisHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies in reducing psychological distress and enhancing wellbeing for families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Results Summary

Mindfulness interventions led to significant gains in subjective wellbeing for caregivers, children, and adults with ASD immediately post-intervention, with effects maintained at 3-month follow-up. However, more controlled research is needed to determine precise efficacy for affected families and subgroups.

Population

Families living with ASD (233 children and adults with ASD and 241 caregivers).

Effective Dosage

Not available

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (2)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
mindfulness
increase
subjective wellbeing
caregivers, children and adults with ASD
-
reported significant gains
#1
mindfulness
no change
intervention effects
-
at 3-month follow-up
effects were maintained
#2
Abstract

Mindfulness-based therapies are rising in popularity. However, evidence for their effectiveness in reducing psychological distress and enhancing wellbeing for families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited. A systematic search identified 10 independent studies, involving a pooled sample of 233 children and adults with ASD and 241 caregivers. Hedges' g effect sizes with associated 95% confidence intervals, in addition to heterogeneity, were calculated using a random-effects model. Caregivers, children and adults who received mindfulness all reported significant gains in subjective wellbeing immediately post-intervention. Available data indicated intervention effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Mindfulness presents a promising intervention strategy in ASD populations, however more controlled research is required to determine its precise efficacy for affected families and subgroups.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultAutism Spectrum DisorderCaregiversChildFemaleHumansMaleMindfulnessPsychotherapy
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations48
Citations/Year8.0
Relative Citation Ratio4.03
NIH Percentile90.2%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score2.42
Normalized Score0.66
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