Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Interventions for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review examines the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The review focuses on the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression in parents. The findings indicate that MBIs have a positive impact on parental well-being, with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression reported in several studies (Neece et al., 2014; Russell et al., 2019). MBIs also show potential benefits in improving the parent-child relationship (Dykens et al., 2014), increasing self-compassion (Neff & Faso, 2014), enhancing emotional regulation, and improving quality of life (Blackledge & Hayes, 2006). The delivery of MBIs can be flexible, including in-person group sessions, online self-guided programs, or app-based platforms. Various delivery modes have shown effectiveness in reducing stress and improving mindfulness (Khoury et al., 2015; McGregor et al., 2020; Potharst et al., 2019). However, there are still limitations and gaps in the literature, such as small sample sizes, reliance on self-report measures, and limited cultural diversity in study populations (Dykens et al., 2014; McGregor et al., 2020). Future research should address these limitations and explore the long-term effects of MBIs on parental well-being.