Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

CFT Guided Self-help Intervention: Parents of Autistic Children

This research is looking at a new, short, and guided self-help program designed for parents of autistic children aged 6-17. Many parents of autistic children face extra pressures, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety. This program uses ideas from 'Compassion Focused Therapy' to help parents feel more supported and cope better.\n\nThis study wants to see how practical and helpful this program is. It involves reading materials, listening to audio, filling in questionnaires, and having weekly support calls with a researcher. About 6-8 parents will take part for around 13 weeks. This is the first time this adapted program will be used, and the findings will help decide if it could be offered more widely in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Autism Disorders and Maternal Stress Autism Autism Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism in Children Parent Parent Mental Health Parent Stress Parent Support

What is this study about?

This research study is about finding new ways to support parents of autistic children. We know that being a parent can be very rewarding, but it also comes with its own challenges. For parents of autistic children aged between 6 and 17, these challenges can sometimes feel even bigger, leading to more stress, worries, and feeling down compared to parents of children who aren't autistic.

This study is testing a special self-help program that focuses on 'compassion'. Compassion is about being kind and understanding towards yourself and others, especially during tough times. The program is based on something called 'Compassion Focused Therapy' and has been specially adapted for parents of autistic children. It's designed to be a short, guided course where you'd work through materials yourself.

The main goal of this study is to see if this guided self-help program is practical, achievable, and helpful for parents. It's a small-scale study, meaning only a few parents (around 6-8) will try it out first. The results will help the researchers understand if this kind of support could make a real difference to parents' well-being and if it should be offered to more families in the future, perhaps through charities or online.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new self-help program for parents of autistic children aged 6-17.
It focuses on using 'compassion' to help parents cope with stress.
The program involves workbooks, audio, and weekly calls with a researcher.
It lasts about 13 weeks and expects 6-8 parents to take part.
Your input will help decide if this program could support more families in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a parent aged 18 or over, living with your autistic child. Your child needs to be between 6 and 17 years old and have an official diagnosis of autism from a doctor or psychologist.

You should also be comfortable using English for reading, listening, talking, and filling out forms, as well as being comfortable using technology for video calls and accessing materials online.

However, you can't take part if you are currently receiving support for your mental health (like therapy), have thoughts about harming yourself, are dependent on alcohol or drugs, or have a learning disability or other condition that might make it hard to understand the study materials.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a parent aged 18 or older?
Do you live with your autistic child (aged 6-17) who has an official diagnosis?
Can you read, write, and speak English well and use technology for video calls?
Are you currently NOT having therapy or mental health support for yourself?
Are you NOT experiencing thoughts of self-harm, drug/alcohol dependency, or have a learning disability?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it will last for about 13 weeks. Before the program starts, you'll complete some questionnaires over three weeks. The main part of the study involves a guided self-help program where you'll receive new materials each week, including a workbook to read and audio tracks to listen to.

You'll also have weekly 30-minute video calls with the main researcher. These calls are to support you, answer any questions you have, and help the researcher understand how you're getting on with the program. Throughout the study, you'll fill out more questionnaires, and there will be an opportunity to share your thoughts on the program at the end.

There are no specific 'medications' involved, as this is a self-help program. The study will not involve any visits but will be conducted remotely with video calls and online materials.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer you some benefits, such as learning new ways to manage stress and improve your well-being through compassion-focused techniques. Your involvement will also help researchers understand if this program is a good way to support other parents of autistic children in the future. As with any study, there's a chance you might find some parts of the program challenging or you might feel emotional at times. However, you are always free to leave the study at any point, for any reason, and it won't affect any medical care you or your child receive.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'Compassion Focused Therapy'?

It's a type of therapy that teaches you to be kinder and more understanding towards yourself and others, which can help with stress and difficult emotions.

How long will I have to spend on the program each week?

The study involves reading workbook material, listening to audio, completing questionnaires, and having a 30-minute weekly call with the researcher, so it will vary but budget time for these activities.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The information provided does not mention payment for participation.

What if I feel overwhelmed during the study?

You'll have weekly support calls with the lead researcher to discuss any challenges. You can also withdraw from the study at any time.

Will this program replace any therapy I'm currently having?

No, this study is not for people currently receiving mental health support. It's a research program to test a new approach.

How to find out more

Molly Beardsmore

molly.beardsmore@nottingham.ac.uk +44 0115 84 67523 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.