Evaluating an online self-compassion-based mindfulness course for mothers of autistic children

Self-compassion-based mindfulness training has been associated with improved psychological well-being. This study examined whether an established online self-compassion course was associated with changes in self-compassion, flourishing, parenting stress, parenting daily hassles, and family quality of life among mothers of infants, including mothers of autistic children. Mothers were grouped based on whether they had an autistic child or not. We assessed baseline differences prior to course enrollment, pre-post changes among participants who completed the course, and whether changes differed by group. At baseline, 67 mothers completed at least three questionnaires. Between 27 and 44 mothers (depending on the measure) completed both pre- and post-course assessments. At baseline, mothers of autistic children reported lower family quality of life and higher parenting stress and daily hassles than comparison mothers. Among course completers, self-compassion and flourishing increased from pre- to post-course. No significant group × time interactions were observed. Parenting stress, daily hassles, and family quality of life did not show detectable changes over time. Findings are preliminary and non-causal due to the absence of a control group. Results are consistent with prior research indicating lower baseline well-being among mothers of autistic children and suggest that online self-compassion training may support internal coping processes regardless of autism status. However, some caregiving demands appear stable despite improvements in self-compassion.