Stop. Breathe. Be. A Pilot Study Examining Mindfulness Training to Improve the Socioemotional Wellbeing of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Stop. Breathe. Be. A Pilot Study Examining Mindfulness Training to Improve the Socioemotional Wellbeing of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder PDF Author: Katherine Thom
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Adolescence is challenging time for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who generally exhibit a myriad of psychosocial difficulties. While this developmental period represents an important window for intervention, few evidence-based programs exist. Recent research suggests that interventions targeting emotion regulation (ER) skill deficits in ASD may represent a promising approach to promoting more favourable outcomes for these youth (Mazefsky et al., 2014). Nurturing mindfulness has been shown to be an effective means of improving ER and wellbeing in diverse child and adult populations, although research in ASD is limited. This pilot study evaluated the impact of a 9-week mindfulness intervention on the ER and socioemotional functioning of 14 adolescents (13-17 years) with high functioning ASD using a pre-test post-test design. Parents reported statistically significant changes of small to medium effect size in adolescents' overall problem behaviours and social skills, ER, adaptability, hyperactivity, and withdrawal behaviours. Additionally, parents reported changes of small effect size that approached significance for adolescents' anxiety symptoms and atypicality. Adolescents reported changes of small effect size that were statistically significant for anxiety symptoms and interpersonal functioning, and non-significant for depression and social stress symptoms. Changes in many parent-reported outcome variables showed moderate to strong correlations with home practice adherence and parent-reported changes in ER. Qualitative observations of program impact and social acceptability were positive and supported the quantitative findings. The results provide promising evidence for mindfulness training with youth with ASD. Implications for assessment, intervention, and future research are discussed.

Stop. Breathe. Be. A Pilot Study Examining Mindfulness Training to Improve the Socioemotional Wellbeing of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Stop. Breathe. Be. A Pilot Study Examining Mindfulness Training to Improve the Socioemotional Wellbeing of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder PDF Author: Katherine Thom
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Adolescence is challenging time for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who generally exhibit a myriad of psychosocial difficulties. While this developmental period represents an important window for intervention, few evidence-based programs exist. Recent research suggests that interventions targeting emotion regulation (ER) skill deficits in ASD may represent a promising approach to promoting more favourable outcomes for these youth (Mazefsky et al., 2014). Nurturing mindfulness has been shown to be an effective means of improving ER and wellbeing in diverse child and adult populations, although research in ASD is limited. This pilot study evaluated the impact of a 9-week mindfulness intervention on the ER and socioemotional functioning of 14 adolescents (13-17 years) with high functioning ASD using a pre-test post-test design. Parents reported statistically significant changes of small to medium effect size in adolescents' overall problem behaviours and social skills, ER, adaptability, hyperactivity, and withdrawal behaviours. Additionally, parents reported changes of small effect size that approached significance for adolescents' anxiety symptoms and atypicality. Adolescents reported changes of small effect size that were statistically significant for anxiety symptoms and interpersonal functioning, and non-significant for depression and social stress symptoms. Changes in many parent-reported outcome variables showed moderate to strong correlations with home practice adherence and parent-reported changes in ER. Qualitative observations of program impact and social acceptability were positive and supported the quantitative findings. The results provide promising evidence for mindfulness training with youth with ASD. Implications for assessment, intervention, and future research are discussed.

A Mindfulness Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

A Mindfulness Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders PDF Author: Yoon-Suk Hwang
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 331918962X
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 155

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Book Description
This book presents emerging research on the effectiveness of mindfulness methods in reducing behavior problems associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The volume synthesizes current research and theories on the therapeutic uses of mindfulness, specifically for people living with developmental disabilities. In addition, it examines a promising new study in which mothers of children with ASD learn mindfulness techniques for their own use and are then trained to teach the methods to their children. The book concludes with a report of poststudy findings and a discussion of practical and methodological issues regarding mindfulness interventions for ASD. Featured topics include: A genealogy of mindfulness, from original Buddhist texts to modern health applications. Implications for further research and advancement. Appendices of basic mindfulness exercises and activities. A Mindfulness Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is a concise resource for researchers, clinicians and other scientist-practitioners, and graduate students in developmental psychology, social work, education, and related disciplines.

Mindfulness-based Interventions with Children and Adolescents

Mindfulness-based Interventions with Children and Adolescents PDF Author: Nirbhay Singh
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317190777
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 229

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Book Description
This book comprehensively reviews mindfulness-based interventions for specific areas of functioning in children and adolescents, with refreshing insights and perspectives. Based on a solid foundation of research and practice, it presents the nature of mindfulness, examines the psychological processes that may underlie mindfulness, and explores how to assess it. Mindfulness is about how we can be attentive to and present for everything that happens in our daily lives. This book draws upon current research in the field in order to explore topics such as the fundamentals of teaching mindfulness to children and adolescents; assessment of mindfulness in this population; use of mindfulness in educational settings; and clinical applications in mental health, including substance abuse, hyperactivity, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. With contributions from internationally-renowned clinicians and scholars, this book provides a balanced account of the strengths and weaknesses of current research, and how mindfulness-based programs can be used to enhance wellbeing and reduce suffering. This book will be of great interest for academics, scholars and post graduate students involved in the study of the mental health of children and adolescents. It will also appeal to psychologists, psychiatrist, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists and others, such as school counsellors, who provide clinical care to children and adolescents.

Applied Mindfulness

Applied Mindfulness PDF Author: Victor G. Carrión, M.D.
Publisher: American Psychiatric Pub
ISBN: 1615372121
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 396

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Book Description
Applied Mindfulness: Approaches in Mental Health for Children and Adolescents starts from the premise that mental health clinicians must have their own mindfulness practice before teaching the tenets and techniques of mindfulness to others, including young people. To that end, the book offers readers clear instructions on how to first practice mindfulness in their own lives and then extend their personal practice outward to others. Once this knowledge is internalized, the clinician can focus on mindfulness in terms of its application to specific clinical diagnoses, such as anxiety and depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and substance abuse. Because many mental health professionals work in multiple settings, such as in schools, in clinics, and online, the contributors, representing a wide range of creative and authoritative voices, explain how to skillfully tailor mindfulness interventions for effective application across diverse contexts. Drs. Carrion and Rettger, as Director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Pediatric Anxiety Program (SELSPAP) and Director of SELSPAP's Mindfulness Program, respectively, have been engaged in ongoing community-based work delivering mindfulness and yoga programming to underserved youth and their helpers. This expertise is evident in their eloquent yet down-to-earth editing. The volume offers clinicians everything they need to begin their mindfulness journey, including the following: - Introductory knowledge on how to get started with a meditation practice. Specific mindfulness scripts are provided throughout the book to foster development of the reader's own practice. In addition, there are audio practices and clear written descriptions of practices to offer support for those learning to meditate, internalize mindfulness practices, and then adapt these skills for clinical practice. - A developmental and ecological approach to implementing mindfulness. The book offers insight into integrating mindfulness across many settings, platforms, and applications, and includes chapters on mindfulness online, at home, and in school, as well as chapters on incorporating nature into mindfulness practice and the relationship between mindfulness and creativity. - Material on specific clinical populations, including immigrant youth and incarcerated youth. A special chapter is devoted to trauma-informed yoga, which has been shown to be an effective therapeutic intervention for youth who have been incarcerated. - Comprehensive information on the current state of youth mindfulness research, which prepares readers to discuss these topics knowledgeably with colleagues and patients. Like ripples in water, the benefits of mindfulness spread outward, from clinicians to patients, families, schools, and communities. Applied Mindfulness: Approaches in Mental Health for Children and Adolescents is the first step toward stress reduction, peace, and compassion for a new generation.

The Effect of Mindfulness Practice on an Adolescent Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety

The Effect of Mindfulness Practice on an Adolescent Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety PDF Author: Brittany J. Marciniak
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Anxiety
Languages : en
Pages : 79

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Book Description
The intent of this pilot study was to examine the effect of mindfulness practice on an adolescent diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and anxiety, who engages in stereotypic pacing. An individual who engages in a stereotypy, often does so due to experiencing anxiety. Although engaging in a stereotypy often results in a decrease in anxiety, it is not regarded as appropriate in most situations such as school or work. The stereotypic behavior can last from minutes to hours, interfering with life quality. Specifically, this study focused on the frequency and duration of episodes of pacing. Behavior was examined between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and midnight in the adolescent's home. The intervention of mindfulness practice, facilitated by the parent, occurred at 9:00 p.m., 5 days a week. The researcher hypothesized that practicing mindfulness in 20- minute sessions every day, would decrease the frequency and duration of pacing. The intervention yielded moderately positive results. Suggested future research is to implement a longer intervention with the eventual goal of incorporating mindfulness practice into a classroom setting.

Mindfulness for Child and Adolescent Well-Being

Mindfulness for Child and Adolescent Well-Being PDF Author: Kevin Ka Shing Chan
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1003846858
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 300

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Book Description
Providing a comprehensive overview of the benefits of mindfulness for children and adolescents, this edited collection offers an in-depth exploration of research, theory, and practice from international perspectives. The book written by academics and clinicians from the East and the West, first introduces mindfulness and its roots in spirituality and psychology, and then discusses its potential for enhancing the well-being of children and adolescents. It covers a wide range of topics related to the impact of mindfulness on children and adolescents, including its effects on cognitive development, academic performance, school adjustment, emotion regulation, mental health, and social functioning. The chapters also examine how mindfulness-related concepts, such as self-compassion, can benefit children with and without special needs, as well as the importance of mindful family communication and parenting for the well-being of children and adolescents. The volume offers valuable insights to researchers, educators, and practitioners who wish to help young people cultivate mindfulness and enhance well-being. The insights will also be useful for young people and parents who want to learn about the healing power and health benefits of mindfulness.

A Pilot Study on a Mindfulness Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A Pilot Study on a Mindfulness Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
This project explores the effects of a mindfulness intervention on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in an occupational therapy setting, as well as explores the attitudes of student occupational therapists on the treatment acceptability for mindfulness interventions in occupational therapy. This paper discusses the current research in mindfulness and explores how it may have an impact on children with ASD, and in particular, within the field of occupational therapy. This project was made up of two components and took place at James Madison University's Inter-Professional Autism Clinic (IPAC) over the course of three weeks. The first component was an investigation of the impact of a mindfulness intervention on two children with ASD enrolled in IPAC. This involved collecting data on the behaviors of two children during the mindfulness intervention implemented during their occupational therapy sessions. The second component of this project examined therapist acceptability and satisfaction of the mindfulness intervention implemented by two Level I OT graduate student therapists. This was achieved by collecting survey data on the student therapists before and after implementing the mindfulness intervention. The researcher predicted that frequency of behaviors such as outbursts and number of verbal prompts required to complete a task would decrease for the child participants over sessions. The researcher predicted that the student therapists would have a general acceptability of mindfulness as a therapeutic activity after administering the mindfulness intervention. The researchers concluded that the child participants each showed improvements in the trends of their challenging behaviors, and the student therapists accepted mindfulness interventions as a therapeutic activity in an OT setting. The results indicate that future research is necessary to provide more specific evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for children with ASD and the treatment acceptability of mindfulness in the field of occupational therapy.

The Autism Playbook for Teens

The Autism Playbook for Teens PDF Author: Irene McHenry
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1626250111
Category : Young Adult Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 153

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Book Description
“When I was a teen, many of the exercises and activities in this book would have helped me calm down. ... This book is a real, practical, and positive guide for reducing stress.” —Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures Teens with autism have the potential to be excellent actors. They are natural observers—able to study, imitate, and learn social behavior. The Autism Playbook for Teens is designed to bolster these strengths with mindfulness strategies and roleplaying scripts, while also helping teens reduce anxiety, manage emotions, be more aware in the present moment, and connect with others. This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum (including Asperger’s Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world. By engaging in these activities, teens will gain an authentic awareness of their surroundings, leading to better social interaction that is also rewarding, interesting, and fun. The delightful and creative activities in this book are grounded in well-documented clinical observations and current empirical studies. They also take into account the real neurological differences that exist in young people with autism, and focuses on the unique pathways needed to connect with and inspire these exceptional and fabulous teenagers. This is the only book available for teens with autism that specifically integrates mindfulness skills and imaginative scripted roleplaying activities for building authentic social experiences.

The Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Anxiety in Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Anxiety in Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder PDF Author: Andrew K. Phou
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781392643327
Category : Anxiety
Languages : en
Pages : 93

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Book Description
Abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses a spectrum of difficulties ranging from minor deficits in recognizing social cues to severe self-injurious behavior. The spectrum also spans a range of intellectual functioning, varying from those with non-vocal capabilities to those with IQs above 140. Research has indicated higher rates of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, amongst individuals with ASD and higher cognitive ability. Although there have been recent advances in the development of evidence-based interventions for comorbid conditions among individuals with ASD, there are unique challenges to implementing some therapeutic strategies with children with ASD. The use of specific components of these interventions that are most relevant and potentially useful for the ASD population may be a promising avenue toward individualizing treatment for comorbid anxiety. The current study examined the feasibility of delivering a behavioral component of CBT, diaphragmatic breathing (DB), to children with high functioning ASD, as well as a preliminary investigation of whether a single session DB intervention would reduce anxiety levels (measured via cortisol and self-report of symptoms). The pilot sample consisted of 4 children with high functioning ASD in the Southern California area between 7 and 11 years of age, two of whom completed DB and two of whom completed a neutral task control. The current study indicates that the procedures are feasible for children with ASD, and preliminary results indicated non-significant decreases in cortisol in children with ASD following diaphragmatic breathing. Study limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Are We Here Yet? Pilot Study of a Self-directed Web-based Mindfulness Intervention as an Adjunct to an Undergraduate Academic Course

Are We Here Yet? Pilot Study of a Self-directed Web-based Mindfulness Intervention as an Adjunct to an Undergraduate Academic Course PDF Author: Tricia A. Teeft
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Mindfulness-based interventions have become increasingly popular in Western culture. A broad and expanding base of literature has supported the efficacy of mindfulness practice with numerous psychological and physical health conditions. Research has begun to focus on cost-effective and convenient ways to introduce these skills to undergraduate students, who often experience elevated rates of psychological difficulties. The current research was a pilot study investigating the effect of a 12-week self-directed web-based mindfulness intervention on undergraduate students enrolled in a course on metacognition. Pre-intervention measures were completed to evaluate self-reported levels of mindfulness and psychological wellness. Students in the intervention group completed mindfulness activities (meditation, body scan, yoga, or unstructured mindfulness activities), while students in the control group engaged in the course material without additional mindfulness content. After each activity, intervention participants submitted a reflection online which detailed the activity, number of minutes spent practicing, and thoughts, feelings, or sensations which arose. Post-intervention, the same tests were re-administered in addition to questionnaires evaluating engagement. Participants in the intervention condition reported decreased state and trait anxiety levels at post-test, while the control group reported no change in state and anxiety and an increase in trait anxiety. When the intervention group was examined along with frequency of practice (total number of sessions), there was a significant decrease in trait anxiety, obsessive compulsive subscale scores (SCL-90) and an increase in total mindfulness (FFMQ). In contrast, total number of minutes of mindfulness practice contributed to decreased Depression and Hostility subscale scores (SCL-90). Despite difficulties with enrollment, engagement, and attrition (reflecting general barriers in mindfulness research and practice), the current pilot contributes recommendations for ways to effectively tailor interventions to a specific population and methods to increase engagement. Doing so may allow more people to gain individually-relevant benefits from mindfulness practice while decreasing the perceived barriers.