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. 2022 Aug 3:11:2164957X221110154.
doi: 10.1177/2164957X221110154. eCollection 2022.

MYTime: A Mindfulness and Yoga Program to Promote Health Outcomes in Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Leah R Ketcheson  1 , Carissa M Wengrovius  2 , Kerri L Staples  3 , Nancy Miodrag  4
Affiliations

MYTime: A Mindfulness and Yoga Program to Promote Health Outcomes in Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Leah R Ketcheson et al. Glob Adv Health Med. .

Abstract

Background: Parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be stressful and result in health consequences for the caregivers, a population that is often overlooked and underserved. While mind-body interventions such as mindfulness yoga can help promote positive health outcomes, limited research has explored the impact of such a program on caregivers of children on the autism spectrum.

Objective: The primary objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week mindfulness yoga program (MYtime) on perceived stress, anxiety, and depression among urban caregivers of children on the autism spectrum.

Methods: Twenty-seven parents were randomized into either MYTime (n = 13) or the control group (n = 14). Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) were administered.

Results: The MYTime group reported lower stress, depression and anxiety while the control group maintained similar scores across pre- and post-assessment. Following 12 weeks of participation the PSS and DASS scores improved by 25% and 49% respectively for parents in the MYTime group. In comparison, PSS scores worsened by 5% and DASS scores improved by 17% for the Control group. Differences in pre-and post-assessment scores were not significant for either group (P > .05).

Conclusion: The results from this pilot study indicate that a mindfulness yoga program could be considered among feasible interventions aimed at improving the health of parents of children on the autism spectrum.

Keywords: anxiety; autism; depression; mindfulness; stress; yoga.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
CONSORT, consolidated standards of reporting trials.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Perceived Stress Scale mean scores for the MYTime and Control group before and after the MYTime program. MYTime group had lower scores at Post Test. Control group had slightly higher scores at Post-Test. Mean values are provided in Table 2. CI, Confidence interval.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale mean scores for the MYTime and Control group before and after the MYTime program. MYTime group had lower scores at Post Test. Control group had slightly lower scores at Post Test. Mean values are provided in Table 2. CI, Confidence interval.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Boxplots of Perceived Health Competence sum (total) scores by family income level (>$40,000 or ≤ $40,000). Family income ≤ $40,000 had lower mean values with one outlier. T1, Time 1 (baseline).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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