Clinical Research Directory

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.