Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byNicole Matthews, Ph.D

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This project will evaluate the effectiveness of MINDful TIME, an 8-week mindfulness-based program designed to improve mental health in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers. MINDful TIME includes weekly psychoeducational group meetings conducted through videoconferencing and use of a commercially available mindfulness meditation app. The investigators predict that adolescents in the mindfulness intervention group will demonstrate increases in self-reported mindfulness and reductions in self- and parent-reported anxiety and depression relative to a delayed treatment control group. The investigators will also explore whether caregivers in the treatment group demonstrate improvements in quality of life.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking teens aged 13-18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Arizona, who can attend most group meetings and have no intellectual disabilities (IQ above 70). They must not have conditions preventing participation in video calls or active suicidal thoughts.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 13 and 18 years old.

Formal clinical or educational ASD diagnosis confirmed by the study team

I, and my parent or caregiver if I'm an adolescent, can speak English.

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Exclusion Criteria

Participants with IQ scores <70 will be excluded because the intervention was developed for individuals without intellectual disabilities

Non-verbal participants will be excluded to ensure test compliance and increase sample homogeneity

I can participate in weekly 90-minute video meetings without issues.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

MINDful TIME (Mindfulness-Based Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe effectiveness of 'MINDful TIME', an 8-week program combining psychoeducational groups via videoconferencing and a meditation app, aimed at improving mental health for autistic adolescents and their caregivers.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Mindfulness-based InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The intervention will include weekly 90-minute group meetings held online through Zoom. Adolescents and parents will meet in separate groups and will learn about mindfulness-based strategies that can be used to manage and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They will also learn evidence-based strategies to complete daily guided mindfulness meditations using Ten Percent Happier, a commercially-available mobile app. Participants will be encouraged to meditate using the mobile app for at least 10 minutes each day during and after the 8-week intervention.

Group II: Delayed Treatment ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Participants will be instructed to engage in treatment as usual during their 8-week wait period. After their wait period, participants will be enrolled in the mindfulness-based intervention.