Research shows that parents of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can experience heightened stress levels, four times greater than parents of typically developing children. It also shows that there is a reciprocal relationship between parent stress and problem behaviours in their child with ASD.
A group of researchers led by Yoon-Suk Hwang recently undertook a study to ascertain the effect of mindfulness training on both parents and their children with ASD. Mothers learnt how to meditate for 2 months in the visspassna tradition and then went onto teach their children simple meditation exercises. Trained meditation teachers offered support and guidance to the parents along the way.
Six children ranging in age from 8 to 15 years old with ASD and their mothers participated in the program. All the children had behaviour issues which included hitting, kicking and screaming. The types of ASD exhibited by the children included Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, High functioning Autism and Aspergers.
Although the results of the study are limited due to the small sample size, they are encouraging. Mothers reported a reduction in stress levels and noticed reductions in anxiety levels and problem behaviours in their children with ASD. They also experienced positive effects on their family and personal life.
The study showed that the more committed mothers were to the mindfulness practice the better were their outcomes. Mothers were so inspired by the outcomes that they taught mindfulness not only to their child with ASD but to their entire family and conveyed inspiring personal stories from this process.
The study’s results are consistent with mindfulness research literature in ASD and support findings on the reciprocal relationship between ASD children’s problem behaviour and parent mindfulness. If you would be interested in participating in mindfulness training for both you and your child please contact me, and I will pass on your details to Yoon-Suk.
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