RecruitingInterventional

Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) for families of young children with intellectual disability: a randomised controlled trial

Caring for a young child with a learning disability or developmental delay can be rewarding, but it can also bring extra emotional and physical pressures. The Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) study looks at a supportive 8-session group course designed by parents and professionals together. The trial is open to UK parents and carers of children aged under seven who have, or are being assessed for, an intellectual disability. Families are randomly placed into one of two groups: one takes part in the 8-week E-PAtS course alongside their usual care, while the other continues with their usual care and can join the course after 12 months. Researchers will compare both groups using questionnaires at the start, at four months, and at one year to find out if the programme boosts parent wellbeing and confidence.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Enrolment target

594

Start

01 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Intellectual disability

What is this study about?

Raising a young child who has an intellectual disability or significant developmental delay often means navigating complex care, communication hurdles, and emotional ups and downs. Many parents and carers find it hard to get tailored support that looks after their own mental wellbeing while teaching them positive ways to guide their child's development. This study investigates whether a purpose-built community programme can fill that gap.

The programme, called Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS), consists of eight group sessions. Each session is co-led by a trained professional working alongside an experienced parent-carer. Together, they guide small groups of families through practical ideas for supporting their child's learning and behaviour, while also focusing on carer self-care, emotional health, and building strong family connections.

Researchers from the University of Kent, the University of Birmingham, and Cardiff University want to find out whether E-PAtS genuinely improves parent wellbeing and whether it offers good value for the NHS and local services. By comparing families who join right away with those who receive their usual care first, the team hopes to provide high-quality evidence that could shape family support across the UK.

Key takeaways

E-PAtS is a free 8-week supportive programme co-run by a trained parent and a professional.
Open to parents of children aged 0 to 7 with suspected or diagnosed intellectual disabilities.
Participants are randomly chosen to receive the course straight away or after 12 months.
Involves filling out questionnaires at the start, at 4 months, and at 12 months.
Taking part is voluntary and will not affect your standard NHS or local council services.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to take part if you are a parent or primary carer aged 18 or older living with a child from birth up to seven years old. Your child must have an identified intellectual disability or be in the process of getting an assessment for conditions such as global developmental delay, autism, or other significant developmental needs that affect their day-to-day living skills. A second parent or regular carer can also take part alongside you if they have weekly contact with your child.

This study is not suitable for families whose child is in full-time residential care, or in foster care that is due to end within the next year. You will also not be able to join if you are already taking part in another parenting course, having one-to-one psychological therapy, or have previously attended an E-PAtS group.

Finally, the programme is designed for early, steady support rather than emergency help. Families currently experiencing an acute crisis, or those with active child protection concerns, will be directed to more urgent local support services instead.

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.

I am a parent or carer aged 18 or over.
My child is aged between 0 months and 7 years.
My child has, or is being assessed for, an intellectual disability or significant developmental delay.
I can understand and communicate comfortably in English to complete the surveys.
I am not currently taking part in another parenting course or individual psychological therapy.
My family is not currently in an urgent crisis or under active child protection plans.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part begins with a short telephone call with a researcher to make sure the study is a good match for your family. If you agree to take part, you will be asked to fill in an initial questionnaire about your wellbeing and daily family life. You will then be randomly assigned by a computer to one of two groups.

If you are placed in the first group, you will attend eight group sessions (usually held weekly), co-led by a trained parent and a professional, alongside your family's usual support. If you are placed in the second group, you will carry on with your usual support as normal, and you will be offered the chance to attend the E-PAtS sessions after 12 months.

All parents will complete follow-up surveys at 4 months and 12 months after joining. You may also be invited to do a one-to-one interview to share your honest thoughts about the experience. The entire study lasts about one year for each family, and no clinical tests, medical procedures, or changes to your child's medication are involved.

Potential risks and benefits

You may benefit from learning practical coping strategies, discovering positive approaches to child development, and meeting other parents facing similar journeys. Even if you are placed in the delayed group, your answers will help improve future services for other families. There are no physical risks involved, although answering survey questions and discussing family challenges can sometimes feel emotionally tiring or sensitive. You do not have to answer any question you are uncomfortable with, and you are free to step back or leave the study at any time without affecting your child's ordinary healthcare, social care, or educational support.

Locations (3)

University College London
Approximate
London, England
University of South Wales
Approximate
Pontypridd, Wales
Ulster University
Approximate
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Common questions

What happens in an E-PAtS session?

Sessions are run in small, friendly groups. A trained parent and a professional share practical tips, lead discussions, and talk through everyday strategies to support your child's development and protect your own wellbeing.

What if I am put into the usual care group?

You will continue using your regular health and community services as normal. After your 12-month follow-up questionnaire is finished, you will be offered the opportunity to attend the full E-PAtS programme.

Does my child need a confirmed medical diagnosis to take part?

Not necessarily. Your child can be in the process of being assessed for a developmental delay, learning disability, or autism, as long as they show significant everyday developmental needs.

Can both parents attend the sessions?

Yes. A second parent or regular caregiver aged 18 or older who has at least weekly contact with the child is welcome to take part in the study and join the groups.

Does taking part cost anything?

No, taking part in the study and attending the E-PAtS group sessions is completely free for families.

How to find out more

Rhys Williams-Thomas

ThomasR95@cardiff.ac.uk +44 (0)29 20687616 Official trial record

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