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Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders pp 1–3Cite as

Mindfulness Therapy for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Mindfulness, defined as attending to the present moment nonjudgmentally, has previously been employed in therapies for diverse concerns outside of ASD. In the last 15–20 years, research has begun to examine the use of mindfulness therapies for individuals with ASD. This entry describes the extant literature on mindfulness therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum. Studies thus far have included children, adolescents, and adults, in individual and group therapy modalities, and with varying amounts of adaptation specific to ASD. While research is still in its preliminary stages, findings suggest that mindfulness therapy can be used effectively for various treatment targets in ASD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Caitlin M. Conner & Carla A. Mazefsky

  2. Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Kelly B. Beck

  3. Psychology Department, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

    Susan W. White

Authors
  1. Caitlin M. Conner
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  2. Kelly B. Beck
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  3. Susan W. White
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  4. Carla A. Mazefsky
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Caitlin M. Conner .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

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Conner, C.M., Beck, K.B., White, S.W., Mazefsky, C.A. (2020). Mindfulness Therapy for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102272-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102272-2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

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Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Mindfulness Therapy for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Published:
    10 March 2020

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102272-2

  2. Original

    Mindfulness Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Published:
    06 April 2018

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102272-1

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