Pai.ACT: AI-powered chatbot-assisted ACT for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study uses an AI-driven chatbot to deliver personalized Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies to primary caregivers of children aged 2–6 with neurodevelopmental disorders. It aims to address parental anxiety and depression while enhancing psychological flexibility and parenting practices. Participants are Cantonese-speaking, Hong Kong residents who live with their child, own a smartphone, and meet DSM-5-based criteria for their child’s NDD diagnosis. The intervention seeks to be scalable and accessible beyond traditional in-person formats, targeting outcomes for both parents and children. The trial is conducted under institutional oversight by Chinese University of Hong Kong with collaboration from local social welfare and service organizations.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary caregivers who are Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong residents.
* Parents aged ≥21 years.
* Primary caregivers who adopt the responsibility of taking care of the child.
* Living together with the child and having smartphone devices for daily access to the internet.
* Parent's children should be with following criteria:

  i) Aged 2-6 years. ii) Received a primary and clinical diagnosis/suspected diagnosis of NDD as indicated in the clinical records according to the DSM-5 criteria. (e.g., ASD, ADHD, developmental delay) iii) Registered for Social Welfare Department subvented Onsite Pre-school Rehabilitation Services.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parents diagnosed with severe mental illnesses.
* Parents with learning, cognitive, language, communication impairments or other debilitating conditions. (e.g., hearing or vision impairment) that could impede full participation in the study)
* Parents currently participating in /under the evaluation of other psychosocial, psychoeducation or parenting programmes.

Where it's running

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yuen Yu CHONG, PhD
• Email: conniechong@cuhk.edu.hk
• Phone: (852) 3943 0665

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.