Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Based Group Intervention for Mothers of Autistic Children: A Controlled Study |
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| Contribution code | D2.164 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aim This study aims to evaluate the impact of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based online-delivered group intervention for mothers of autistic children on maternal mental health and on their children's behavioral problems and autistic symptoms. Method The participants were mothers of children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The study group (n=75) received a 5-week online delivered group-based ACT program. They have completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Parental Stress Scale (PSS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) before and after the intervention. Mothers in the waiting group (n=71) completed the same scales at the beginning and after the 5-week waiting period. The trial was pre-registered at clinical trials. Results and Conclusion At the end of the intervention, DASS-21 and PSS scores reduced significantly in the study group compared to the waiting group. These results suggested that the intervention program had a positive effect on mothers' mental health. ABC and SRS scores decreased in the study group, while an increase in ABC scores was observed in the control group. These findings suggest that reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress levels in mothers may contribute to the decrease in children's behavioral problems and symptoms related to autism. |