Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is successful with typical individuals, high functioning autistic clients, clients with Aspergers’ Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, and ODD, anxiety, depression, low self esteem and stress. The clinical experience and studies promise success with clients with developmental and pervasive disorder when CBT is used with other therapies and mindfulness.  It is recommended for children eight years old and older, adolescents and adults.

• 21.3% of parents of children with ASD use CBT

• Research shows that all groups, with ASD, ADHD, oppositional behaviour and their parents report improvement when are trained in mindful problem solving

Mindfulness helps to overcome anxiety, frustration, anger, improve self-esteem, stress, and develop emotional strength.

• The professional literature also reflects the value of mindfulness based intervention with individuals who are more limited in their functioning.

Mindfulness teaches focusing, sustained attention, visualisation, and flexibility. It helps to create a kinder, more loving and thoughtful environment.  It teaches to understand alternatives of the present moment and their future contribution.

• The recent research brought attention to efficiency of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) with clients with ASD and their families. It increases social interactions, their ability to recognize reasons of actions of the others, purpose, acceptance and solution.

Mindful parenting skills decrease children’s problem behaviours, increase satisfaction and interactions with their children.

• Parents report lower stress level and success in achieving goals.

Find more

http://dyslexia.wordpress.com/2007/06/17/mindfulness-as-an-attention-focusing-strategy

http://www.myunion.edu/ccmm/documents/Mindfulness_Practice_with_AutismAdrianeK.pdf

http://www.autism.healingthresholds.com

Z. V. Segal, M. G. Williams, and J. D. Teasdale: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse

Z. V. Segal, M. G., Williams, & J. D. Teasdale: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. New York: Application of Mindfulness with Clients with Autism

Singh, et al. (2008). Mindfulness training for adolescents with externalizing disorders and their parents. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Vol 36(2) pp. 193-209.

Singh, N. S., Lancioni, Giulio., et. al., (2007). Mindfulness training assists individuals with moderate mental retardation to maintain their community placements. Behaviour Modification, 31, 800-814.

Singh, N. N. … [et al]: Mindful parenting decreases aggression, noncompliance and self-injury in children with autism Journal of Emotional and Behavioural Disorders Fall 2006, 14(3), 178-187

Williams, M., Teasdale, J., Segal, Z., & Kabat-Zinn, J.: The mindful way through depression: Freeing yourself from chronic unhappiness.

Volker, M., & Lopata, C. : Autism.  A review of biological bases, assessment, and intervention. School Psychology Quarterly, 23(2), 258-270.

McCown, D.: Mindfulness and the Autism Spectrum

Mitchell, C. (diagnosed with AS): Asperger’s syndrome and mindfulness: Taking refuge in the Buddha.

Mahari,A.J.(diagnosed with AS ): Asperger’s Syndrome in Adulthood from the Inside Out