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

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.