Mindfulness program for adolescents with autism and their caregivers
In-Person Mindfulness-based Intervention for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Caregivers
This study is testing a mindfulness program for teenagers with autism and their caregivers to see if it helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Phoenix, Arizona) |
| Trial ID | NCT06577623 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on adolescents aged 13 to 18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their caregivers, aiming to improve co-occurring mental health symptoms such as stress and anxiety. Participants will engage in an 8-week mindfulness-based group intervention, meeting weekly for 2 hours at the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Each session will include separate meetings for teens and caregivers, followed by a brief joint session to discuss home practice. Participants will also receive a free subscription to a mindfulness app to support their daily practice.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adolescents aged 13 to 18 with a formal diagnosis of ASD who can attend at least 7 of the 8 group meetings.
Not a fit: Patients who are non-verbal, have an IQ below 70, or possess physical disabilities that hinder participation may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the mental well-being of adolescents with ASD and their caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: While mindfulness interventions for mental health are gaining traction, this specific approach tailored for adolescents with ASD is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents must be ages 13 to 18 years * Formal clinical or educational ASD diagnosis confirmed by the study team (i.e., review of the formal diagnostic or educational report) * Must be able to attend at least 7 of the 8 in-person group meetings * English speaking: Adolescents and their parent/caregivers must be English-speaking because the screening and behavioral measures are in English, as well as the intervention content Exclusion Criteria: * Non-verbal participants will be excluded to ensure test compliance and increase sample homogeneity. * Participants with IQ scores \<70 will be excluded because the intervention was developed for individuals without intellectual disabilities. * Participants with a physical disability or co-occurring condition that may prevent participation in the weekly group meetings (e.g., selective mutism; aggressive behavior; inability to participate in a 90-minute video conference meeting each week) * Participants who report active suicidal ideation
Where this trial is running
Phoenix, Arizona
- Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole Matthews, Ph.D. — Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
- Study coordinator: Nicole Matthews, Ph.D.
- Email: nmatthews@autismcenter.org
- Phone: 480-582-9499
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.