Video-conferencing FACT for Young Children With Special Needs
Objective: This RCT evaluates the efficacy of Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) delivered via videoconferencing for parents of special needs children, targeting reducing parental stress (primary outcome), symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as psychological flexibility.

Background: Parental caregiving for children with special needs is associated with significant stress, potentially impairing parental and familial functioning. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has shown promise in bolstering mental health across diverse populations. Preliminary findings from a feasibility trial (NCT05803252) suggest the potential of FACT in this context.

Methods: Expanding upon prior research, this definitive RCT compares FACT to standard parenting advice, correcting for earlier limitations through increased sample size and rigorous methodology. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention (4-8 weeks), and 6-month follow-up.

Results: The study anticipates that FACT will demonstrate superior outcomes in promoting well-being among parents compared to parenting advice alone.

Conclusion: By leveraging videoconferencing for therapy delivery, the RCT aims to improve access to mental health interventions and emphasize the importance of psychological health among parents of special needs children. This could foster greater recognition and proactive management of mental health within this population.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Language and Residency: Must be a Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong resident aged 21 years or older. Child's age and health status: Must be cohabiting with a preschool or school-aged child (2-9 years old) diagnosed with or suspected of having special needs. Caregiver role: Must be the primary caregiver responsible for daily care for the child. Technology access: Must have daily access to a smartphone, with either an iPhone or Android operating system, to participate in the study and for potential app-based interventions or communications.  Exclusion Criteria:  Any parents with severe mental illness, are pregnant, are less than six months postpartum, or have a developmental disability that interferes with their ability to comprehend the programme's content. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 21 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult