Research shows that depression and anxiety disorders are the most common 
psychiatric concern in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Mindfulness-based 
therapy (MBT) has been found effective in reducing anxiety and depression 
symptoms, however research in autism is limited. Therefore, we examined the 
effects of a modified MBT protocol (MBT-AS) in high-functioning adults with ASD. 
42 participants were randomized into a 9-week MBT-AS training or a wait-list 
control group. Results showed a significant reduction in depression, anxiety and 
rumination in the intervention group, as opposed to the control group. 
Furthermore, positive affect increased in the intervention group, but not in the 
control group. Concluding, the present study is the first controlled trial to 
demonstrate that adults with ASD can benefit from MBT-AS.