Virtual Group–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Autistic Adults: a Feasibility Study

Abstract

Objectives Although mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be helpful in reducing psychological distress in autistic adults, limited research has explored virtual delivery in the autism community. We designed an adapted virtual group-based mindfulness intervention, based on input from autistic adults, and evaluated its feasibility in terms of demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality, adaptation, and limited efficacy testing. Methods Informed by an online needs assessment survey of 77 autistic adults, 37 individuals completed a six-week autism informed manualized course delivered virtually. Participants completed pre, post, and 12-week follow up, and also provided qualitative feedback. Results There was a demand for the course, adaptations were successful, and participants indicated good acceptability of the intervention. Open-ended feedback highlighted advantages and challenges with the technology, the benefits of connecting with other autistic adults, and unique aspects of the mindfulness instruction. Participants reported reduced levels of distress which were maintained at three-month follow-up, and increased mindfulness, and self-compassion. Conclusions Autism-informed adaptations to standard mindfulness-based interventions can lead to self-reported improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, and distress by autistic adults. Continued research with outcome measures tailored toward autistic adults will be important, during and post-pandemic.

Virtual group-based mindfulness program for autistic women: A feasibility study

“…In contrast to our previous work examining the impact of mindfulness on a larger cohort of autistic adults, 24 preliminary quantitative results from the current study did not reach statistical significance. While quantitative results showed no improvements, qualitative feedback suggested that the autistic women were satisfied and benefited from the group.…”

“…Findings from this study showed that most of the participants appreciated that the program was delivered online. This was also found in the Lunsky et al 24 study, in which participants described that the online nature of the program addressed barriers such as stresses associated with in-person communication and transportation. In addition, the online nature of the program allowed participants to meet autistic people from different provinces.…”

“…She has over 35 years of training in formal mindfulness practices, and 20+ years of experience in leading mindfulness groups to various communities, including those with disabilities and their families. A more detailed description of this program can be found in Lunsky et al 24 While the length of sessions, sequence, and topic selection were identical to the mixed-gender groups, there were a few key differences outside of content of the program. For example, in addition to ensuring that all participants identified as women, the clinician, autistic advisor, and technical support/course coordinator were women.…”

“…She has over 35 years of training in formal mindfulness practices, and 20+ years of experience in leading mindfulness groups to various communities, including those with disabilities and their families. A more detailed description of this program can be found in Lunsky et al 24 …”

“…23 An evaluation of this program showed that participants reported reduced levels of distress which were maintained at 3-month follow-up, in addition to increased mindfulness, and self-compassion. 24 While our initial evaluation did not include gender-based analyses, prior research exploring the impact of mindfulness on the mental health and quality of life among autistic adults suggests mindfulness may be a promising intervention for autistic women. Braden et al 25 showed that MBSR led to improvements in disability-related quality of life among autistic adults compared to a control intervention (support/education intervention).…”