The impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on individua…
Published May 9, 2026
A systematic review of mindfulness-based stress reduction studies in autistic people and caregivers, with small and heterogeneous evidence.
<p><em>This systematic review examined mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) studies involving autistic people and caregivers. It included 13 clinical studies: eight in adults, four in caregivers, one in children, and none in adolescents.</em></p><p><em>MBSR may be a voluntary supportive option for anxiety or depression symptoms in some adults and for caregiver stress, but the studies were small and heterogeneous. The evidence is not strong enough to draw firm conclusions.</em></p><p><em>MBSR does not treat autism and should not replace individualized mental-health care. People considering it can discuss appropriateness with a qualified clinician.</em></p><p><em>Source: Luo D, et al. “The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy on Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Caregivers: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Psychiatric Research. 2026;195:299–308. </em><a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2026.01.052"><em>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2026.01.052</em></a><em> (PMID: 41650659; PROSPERO CRD420251159313).</em></p>