The Effect of Mindfulness Practice on an Adolescent Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety
Author | : Brittany J. Marciniak |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 79 |
Release | : 2016 |
ISBN-10 | : OCLC:1042244776 |
ISBN-13 | : |
Rating | : 4/5 ( Downloads) |
Download or read book The Effect of Mindfulness Practice on an Adolescent Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety written by Brittany J. Marciniak and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 79 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The intent of this pilot study was to examine the effect of mindfulness practice on an adolescent diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and anxiety, who engages in stereotypic pacing. An individual who engages in a stereotypy, often does so due to experiencing anxiety. Although engaging in a stereotypy often results in a decrease in anxiety, it is not regarded as appropriate in most situations such as school or work. The stereotypic behavior can last from minutes to hours, interfering with life quality. Specifically, this study focused on the frequency and duration of episodes of pacing. Behavior was examined between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and midnight in the adolescent's home. The intervention of mindfulness practice, facilitated by the parent, occurred at 9:00 p.m., 5 days a week. The researcher hypothesized that practicing mindfulness in 20- minute sessions every day, would decrease the frequency and duration of pacing. The intervention yielded moderately positive results. Suggested future research is to implement a longer intervention with the eventual goal of incorporating mindfulness practice into a classroom setting.