A Chatbot-based Program to Promote Well-being in Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Launched by HONG KONG METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY · Jul 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is testing a new program that uses a chatbot—a computer program designed to have friendly, supportive conversations—to help improve the mental well-being of caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Caring for a child with ASD can be very stressful, and this stress can affect both the caregiver’s health and the child’s progress. The program is based on positive psychology, which focuses on building strengths and positive feelings to reduce stress and improve quality of life. The chatbot is easy to use, available anytime, and offers personalized support, making it a helpful tool for caregivers who may have limited access to traditional mental health services.

Caregivers who might be eligible for this study are adults over 18 who provide long-term care for a child between 6 and 11 years old diagnosed with ASD. They also need to be able to read and communicate in Chinese and willing to complete questionnaires during the study. Participants can expect to interact with the chatbot as part of the program, which aims to reduce stress and depressive symptoms while improving overall well-being. This trial is important because it explores a new, convenient way to support caregivers’ mental health, which can positively impact both the caregiver and the child’s development. The study is not yet recruiting participants but will focus on understanding how well this chatbot program works for families affected by ASD.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • (i) caregivers providing long-term care for the children with a diagnosis of ASD from a qualified clinician, confirmed through the provision of documentation by the parents; (ii) caregivers of primary-school-age child (6-11 years old) (this age range is selected because social and communication interaction of children with ASD may be progressively more awkward in this age range when the social demands become more prominent); (iii) caregivers who are over 18 years old; (iv) caregivers who have the ability to communicate and read in Chinese;
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • (i)Unwilling to complete the questionnaires at 3 time points; (ii)Diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder (such as schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder) or cognitive impairment; (iii) Participation of a similar psychological intervention within one year.