NCT04017793

Mindfulness-Associated Brain Changes in Adults With Autism

The Neural Changes Associated With a Mindfulness Intervention for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 108 (actual)
• Sponsor: Arizona State University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study to measure brain functioning before and after stress-reduction classes to better understand how symptom improvements relate to brain functioning in adults with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two stress reduction classes that will meet once a week for 8 weeks. One group will complete a structured training program called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) that involves teaching about increased mindfulness strategies and gentle stretching. The other group will review relaxation techniques and other stress reduction strategies and will include social support. Structural and functional MRI, EEG, and behavioral self-report data will be collected to understand more about how the brain changes in subtle ways when people feel better and are more aware of their emotional state.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction	Structured 8-week training program teaching about increased mindfulness strategies and gentle stretching.
BEHAVIORAL	Relaxation Group	8-weekly group discussion meetings reviewing relaxation techniques and other stress reduction strategies with an emphasis on social support.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-05-06
• Primary completion: 2021-12-31
• Completion: 2024-12-31
• First posted: 2019-07-12
• Last updated: 2026-01-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States