Research indicates that parents of autistic children are subjected to stigma, being held responsible for their children's atypical development and viewed as inadequate in parenting. This stigma stress has detrimental effects on their mental and physical well-being, leading to agitation, hostility, conflicts between parents, and exacerbation of symptoms in autistic children. Currently, there is a lack of evidence-based interventions to support parents in managing stigma stress. However, mindfulness practices have shown promise in stress management by cultivating non-judgment and non-attachment. By reducing stigma stress, parents experience decreased emotional distress, negative mood, physiological dysregulation, and exhibit fewer reactive behaviors. To address this issue, a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) specifically designed for parents of autistic children facing stigma stress was developed. In a randomized controlled trial involving 200 parents, half of the participants received the MBI while the other half served as a waitlist control group. The MBI effectively reduced stigma stress, improved mental and physical health, enhanced parent-child and inter-parental interactions, and positively impacted the emotional and behavioral functioning of the children. This study contributes valuable theoretical insights into the individual, interpersonal, and intergenerational benefits of the MBI. Moreover, the MBI offers a practical and evidence-based approach to mitigate stigma stress and its adverse outcomes for parents of autistic children.

Authors:
Ka Shing Kevin Chan, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Ka Shing Kevin Chan is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at The Education University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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