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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.

Don't miss out! The final workshops will be held on:

  • Thursday 6 March, 6–8pm (AEDT)
  • Saturday 29 March, 10:30am–12:30pm (AEDT)
Complete the suitability questionnaire

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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.
Complete the suitability questionnaire

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

The Woodend Foundation

Ethics approval

Griffith University Ref No: 2024/101

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