Innovation Research And Training, Inc. SBIR Phase I Award,

This project creates an online, interactive, self-paced mindfulness intervention program specifically designed for adolescents with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), a common genetic disorder. The goal of the project is to adapt and examine the usability of a novel online mindfulness training program for adolescents (ages 13 to 18) with 22q11DS. To date, there are very few behavioral interventions that have been developed and evaluated for adolescents with 22q11DS. Thus, there is a need for effective interventions that are tailored for this population to improve their mental and physical health and well-being, and potentially prevent the severity of future psychiatric symptoms. The objectives are to: (1) develop content and pedagogical methods for the program with input from families and youth with 22q11DS and expert consultants, (2) produce and implement the program’s technology, and (3) examine the usability of the program.