Mindfulness-Based Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Children and Parents

Abstract

Objectives Mindfulness-based programs could support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents to cope with autism spectrum symptoms and reduce comorbid mental health problems. In this study, we aimed to explore which change processes are involved in a mindfulness-based program for children with ASD and their parents (MYmind), according to a qualitative analysis of the families' experiences. Method Fourteen children aged 9-17 years and 31 parents (18 mothers, 11 fathers, 2 caring relatives) participated in an interview 2 to 5 months after the 9-week MYmind training, about their experiences with the training, experienced changes, and how mindfulness works for them. We used constructivist grounded theory methodology to develop a theory of the key change processes and their relations. Results Eight main change processes resulted from the analysis, namely connecting with peers, pausing, being aware, being in the here and now, letting be, determining a strategy, being and responding calm, and attuning to others. We proposed a model reflecting the interdependency and direction of these change processes. Conclusion The findings deepen our understanding of how multiple change processes are involved in the MYmind program for children with ASD and their parents. Theoretical and research implications are discussed.

Attention in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Program

“…In general MYmind did not improve their attention systems, nonetheless trend effects point into the direction of improved orienting and executive attention. MBPs are promising and feasible for children with ASD and their parents (e.g., de Bruin et al, 2015;Ridderinkhof et al, 2018;, but this study could not strongly support the found behavioral changes with an objective test of attention.…”

“…Furthermore, it could improve the capacity to disengage their attention from distressing automatic thought patterns and feelings, and thereby improve the ability to cope with stress and emotional problems. Improved social responsiveness, attention, and emotional and behavioral functioning were indeed found on parent-and self-reports after MYmind for these children with ASD (de Bruin et al, 2015;Ridderinkhof et al, 2018). However, we should be cautious to conclude that the slight improvements in orienting and executive attention are underlying these behavioral improvements.…”

“…They participated in the study investigating MYmind for children with ASD and their parents, approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Academic Medical Center (AMC) in Amsterdam (NL43720.018.13). Results on parent-and selfreport questionnaires can be found elsewhere (De Bruin et al, 2015;Ridderinkhof et al, 2018). The present study focuses on the computerized test of attention.…”

“…So far, a few studies investigated the effects of MBPs for children with ASD, indicating improvements in children's social responsiveness, and their emotional, behavioral, and attention problems (de Bruin, Blom, Smit, van Steensel, & Bögels, 2015;Hwang, Kearney, Klieve, Lang, & Roberts, 2015;Ridderinkhof, de Bruin, Blom, & Bögels, 2018;Singh, Lancioni, Manikam, et al, 2011;. However, these promising results are based on self-reports and parent reports.…”

The Comparison of Cognitive Therapy based on Mindfulness and Grammatical Mental Imaging with Cognitive Processing on Emotional Processing in Mothers with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…A number of mindfulness-based treatment applications To help people in a variety of mental and emotional states, mindfulness has been used to reduce the symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and in the treatment of drug addiction. Programs based on Kabat Saddle models and similar models have been adopted in schools, prisons, hospitals, veterans' centers and other environments, and mindfulness programs for healthy aging, weight management, athletic performance, Helping children is used (Ridderinkhof, 2019).…”