Feasibility and Acceptability of Laughter Yoga in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents

Launched by LAM CHUNG YAN HEMIO · Mar 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how laughter yoga can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their parents. The goal is to see if laughter yoga is enjoyable and can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in children and lessen parenting stress for their moms and dads. The researchers believe that if children and their parents participate in laughter yoga classes together, they will experience more improvement in their emotional well-being compared to those who do not take part in the classes.

To be eligible for this study, children must be between 8 and 12 years old, have a diagnosis of ASD, and be able to read and understand Chinese and Cantonese. Their parent must also read and understand these languages and be willing to join the laughter yoga sessions and take part in follow-up activities. Participants can expect to engage in fun laughter exercises, learn relaxation techniques, and share experiences with other families. This study is not yet recruiting, so there’s no immediate action needed, but it could be an exciting opportunity for families looking for new ways to support their mental health together.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• THE CHILD should:
• • aged 8 to 12
• • be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (according to either The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) or International Classification of Diseases 11th), and
• • able to read and understand Chinese and Cantonese, and
• • have a parent (father or mother) participating in this study together.
• THE PARENT should:
• • be able to read and understand Chinese and Cantonese, and
• • willing to attend the laughter yoga classes with their child, and
• • willing to complete the required post-test.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• THE CHILD:
• • has recently undergone surgery, or
• • has a primary diagnosis not ASD, or
• • has an intelligence quotient lower than 70, or
• • has been diagnosed low functioning ASD, or
• • has severe behavioral problems, or
• • is receiving medical treatment for anxiety or depression at the start of the laughter yoga program.
• THE PARENT has:
• • recently undergone surgery, or
• • been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, or
• • no child with ASD is willing to participate in this study.