Why
Research shows that improving the self-compassion levels of parents can improve both parent and child well-being. In this research study, we will explore whether this is the case in families with Autistic children.
Does participating in a self-compassion workshop improve the well-being of parents of Autistic children? Does the well-being of their children improve?
Take part
We invite parents of Autistic children to join us for a 2-hour group online workshop on self-compassion. The workshops will be held in 2025.
Download flyer
The study is suitable for people who are:
- parents of an Autistic child aged 3 to 17 living in Australia
- parents with low to moderate levels of self-compassion (you don’t need to worry about this – we will calculate your self-compassion score based on your responses in the suitability survey)
- able to attend one of the pre-organised workshop times.
Parents will be asked to complete a suitability survey (takes about 5 minutes). If the workshop is suitable for you, you will be asked to:
- complete a pre-workshop online survey (takes about 20 minutes)
- attend a 2-hour group online workshop in the first half of 2025
- practise the self-compassion strategies you have learned over two weeks at your own pace
- complete a final online survey two weeks after the workshop (takes about 20 minutes)
- Optional: participate in an online or phone interview two weeks after the workshop (takes about 30 minutes) about your feedback on the workshop and your experiences of practising self-compassion.
Making a difference
This is the first research study to explore whether or not a self-compassion workshop can improve the well-being of both parents of Autistic children and their children.
Research team
- Dr Ru Ying Cai, Adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University and Research Fellow at Aspect
- Dr Chris Edwards, Adjunct Research Fellow at Griffith University and Research Fellow at Aspect
- Dr Abigail Love, Research Fellow at Aspect
- Dr Vicki Gibbs, Head of Research at Aspect
- Dr James Kirby, Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at University of Queensland
- Dr Gail Alvares, Senior Researcher at CliniKids
Started
2024
Ends
2025
Funding
Aspect
Ethics approval
Griffith University Ref No: 2024/101
Related items
Research project – Self-compassion and mental health
Autistic adults’ capacity to be self-compassionate and ability to regulate emotions impact their mental health.
Research project – Aspect Self-compassion Program for Autistic Adults
Our pilot study showed a self-guided online training program can build the self-compassion skills of Autistic adults.
ARCAP Webinar – What's self-compassion and is it important for the mental health of Autistic adults?
Researchers discuss the possible links between self-compassion and mental health of Autistic people.