Virtual Group–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Autistic Adults: a Feasibility Study

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dc.contributor.authorLunsky, Yona
dc.contributor.authorRedquest, Brianne
dc.contributor.authorAlbaum, Carly
dc.contributor.authorHutton, Sue
dc.contributor.authorShare, Maxine
dc.contributor.authorShare-Strom, Daniel
dc.contributor.authorWeiss, Jonathan
dc.date.accessioned2024-10-04T19:44:25Z
dc.date.available2024-10-04T19:44:25Z
dc.date.issued2022-06-13
dc.description.abstractObjectives: Although mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be helpful in reducing psychological distress in autistic adults, limited research has explored virtual delivery in the autism community. We designed an adapted virtual group–based mindfulness intervention, based on input from autistic adults, and evaluated its feasibility in terms of demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality, adaptation, and limited efficacy testing. Methods: Informed by an online needs assessment survey of 77 autistic adults, 37 individuals completed a six-week autism informed manualized course delivered virtually. Participants completed pre, post, and 12-week follow up, and also provided qualitative feedback. Results: There was a demand for the course, adaptations were successful, and participants indicated good acceptability of the intervention. Open-ended feedback highlighted advantages and challenges with the technology, the benefits of connecting with other autistic adults, and unique aspects of the mindfulness instruction. Participants reported reduced levels of distress which were maintained at three-month follow-up, and increased mindfulness, and self-compassion. Conclusions: Autism-informed adaptations to standard mindfulness-based interventions can lead to self-reported improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, and distress by autistic adults. Continued research with outcome measures tailored toward autistic adults will be important, during and post-pandemic.
dc.description.sponsorshipThe needs assessment and initial intervention pilot were supported by funding from an Autism Speaks Canada Community Grant (ASCFS-2016–08), and the manualized intervention and evaluation were supported by a grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
dc.format.mediumPrint-Electronic
dc.identifier.issn1868-8527
dc.identifier.issn1868-8535
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01909-4
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10315/42353
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSpringer Nature
dc.subjectClinical and health psychology
dc.subjectPsychology
dc.subjectMind and body
dc.subjectComplementary and integrative health
dc.subjectIntellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
dc.subjectBrain disorders
dc.subjectClinical research
dc.subjectMental health
dc.subjectAutism
dc.subjectBehavioral and social science
dc.subjectClinical trials and supportive activities
dc.subjectPsychological and behavioural
dc.subjectIndividual care needs
dc.subjectGood health and well being
dc.symplectic.issue7
dc.symplectic.journalMindfulness
dc.symplectic.pagination1706-1718
dc.symplectic.subtypeJournal article
dc.symplectic.volume13
dc.titleVirtual Group–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Autistic Adults: a Feasibility Study
dc.typeArticle

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