1. Evaluating the Effects of a Yoga-Based Program Integrated with Third-Wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Components on Self-Regulation in Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
- Author
-
Tanksale, Radhika, Sofronoff, Kate, Sheffield, Jeanie, and Gilmour, John
- Abstract
Research using mind-body practices in autism is limited but suggests a trend for ruminative reduction and improved behavioral-emotional outcomes. Following random assignment (N = 67), effects of a weekly six-session pilot yoga-based group program combined with third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy elements on self-regulation for children on the autism spectrum (aged 8-12 years) was assessed. The primary outcome was executive functions. Secondary outcomes were sleep, anxiety, and emotion awareness. After attrition, assessment results from participants in the intervention (n = 31) and the waitlist conditions (n = 30) completed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-week follow-up were evaluated. For the intervention group, the between-group mean score differences suggest a decrease in parent-reported global executive difficulties from baseline to post-intervention (-2.61; 95% confidence interval -5.13 to -0.09, p = 0.047, d = -0.39) and baseline to follow-up (-4.17; 95% confidence interval -6.72 to -1.62, p = 0.017, d = -0.59) with small-to-medium effect sizes. Small-to-medium effects were found for a few parent-reported children's sleep issues, child-reported aspects of emotion awareness, and performance anxiety. Non-significant findings are discussed in this article. Preliminary findings suggest mixed results and should be interpreted cautiously. The yoga-informed program may complement existing treatments and will benefit from ongoing evaluation.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF