Discussion
autistic, depression
The current study used an RCT design to test the efficacy of a brief, group-based ACT intervention for mothers and fathers of autistic children, adolescents, and adults. Overall, the intervention resulted in gains for parents, with the greatest treatment effects observed for parent depression and family distress, which were maintained at the 4-month follow-up. Parents also reported short-term gains with respect to personal goal attainment, and small changes in positive affect. Although there was no significant Group × Time interaction for stress, cognitive fusion, and experiential avoidance, all these outcomes showed improvement, with small effect sizes, for the Treatment group at post-intervention, while the Waitlist group did not improve; these within-group changes were also maintained at follow-up. Parents did not report any significant improvements with respect to mindful parenting, valued living, overall family functioning, or child mental health.