Mindfulness Training and Parent-coaching Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Does Mindfulness Training Enhance Early Evidence-based Parent-coaching Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder?: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report higher levels of depression and distress than caregivers of typically developing children as well as children with other developmental disabilities. The proposed work tests a novel treatment paradigm that blends Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with an empirically supported and manualized parent training program (Parent-Implemented Early Start Denver Model [P-ESDM]). We hypothesize that directly treating parental distress, while simultaneously providing evidence-based parent training, may greatly enhance child-focused intervention and provide benefits that resonate across the family.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Child has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
• Child at least 12 months of age but less than 36 months at time of consent
• Parent speaks and reads fluent English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe child sensorimotor impairment that would impact participation in treatment