Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindful Time, a Novel Telehealth Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Autistic Adolescents and Their Caregivers
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| Title: | Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindful Time, a Novel Telehealth Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Autistic Adolescents and Their Caregivers |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Nicole L. Matthews (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2025 29(7):1864-1882. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Intervention, Metacognition, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Adolescents, Parents, Program Effectiveness, Depression (Psychology), Gender Differences, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Parent Child Relationship, Executive Function, Well Being, Mental Health, Emotional Response, Videoconferencing, Anxiety, Telecommunications, Handheld Devices |
| Geographic Terms: | Arizona |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, Childrens Depression Inventory |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613251328484 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | A growing body of research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may be a valuable method for reducing internalizing symptoms in autistic individuals. The current study extends this work using an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 1 study. In this parallel randomized controlled trial, we examined a novel telehealth intervention for autistic adolescents and their caregivers. MINDful TIME includes eight weekly group meetings and regular use of a commercially available mindfulness meditation app. Participants were 42 adolescent-parent dyads randomized to the treatment or delayed treatment control (DTC) group. The program was implemented with fidelity (91.24%-94.78%), and 90% of treatment group dyads completed the program. On average, participants attended >90% of sessions and reported high acceptability. Treatment group adolescents demonstrated statistically and clinically significant reductions in parent-reported depression symptoms relative to DTC (F(1, 34) = 7.31, p = 0.01, n[subscript p superscript 2] = 0.18). Female adolescents in the treatment group showed significant reductions in parent-reported anxiety symptoms (F(1, 34) = 4.22, p = 0.05, n[subscript p superscript 2] = 0.11). Exploratory analyses indicated treatment-related improvements in adolescent executive functioning, parent mindfulness and well-being, and adolescent-parent relationship dysfunction. Findings warrant future examination of MINDful TIME to address well-documented challenges with mental health in this population. This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05685589). |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1474950 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | A growing body of research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may be a valuable method for reducing internalizing symptoms in autistic individuals. The current study extends this work using an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 1 study. In this parallel randomized controlled trial, we examined a novel telehealth intervention for autistic adolescents and their caregivers. MINDful TIME includes eight weekly group meetings and regular use of a commercially available mindfulness meditation app. Participants were 42 adolescent-parent dyads randomized to the treatment or delayed treatment control (DTC) group. The program was implemented with fidelity (91.24%-94.78%), and 90% of treatment group dyads completed the program. On average, participants attended >90% of sessions and reported high acceptability. Treatment group adolescents demonstrated statistically and clinically significant reductions in parent-reported depression symptoms relative to DTC (F(1, 34) = 7.31, p = 0.01, n[subscript p superscript 2] = 0.18). Female adolescents in the treatment group showed significant reductions in parent-reported anxiety symptoms (F(1, 34) = 4.22, p = 0.05, n[subscript p superscript 2] = 0.11). Exploratory analyses indicated treatment-related improvements in adolescent executive functioning, parent mindfulness and well-being, and adolescent-parent relationship dysfunction. Findings warrant future examination of MINDful TIME to address well-documented challenges with mental health in this population. This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05685589). |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613251328484 |
