Pai.ACT: A Deep-learning-powered, Smartphone-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Parents of Children With Special Needs: A Feasibility Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating Pai.ACT, a smartphone-based mental health advisory system using deep learning and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) designed for parents of children with special needs in Hong Kong. This trial aims to test the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of Pai.ACT in improving mental health outcomes for these parents compared to conventional familial support. The study addresses the psychological burden parents face due to limited mental health services and prolonged waiting times for their children's rehabilitation, focusing on parents of children aged 2 to 8 years diagnosed or suspected with developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. The study involves two groups: one group will use the Pai.ACT mobile app, which offers voice-to-text conversations with an AI chatbot providing personalized ACT-based interventions, including self-help modules, dynamic exercises, and 4-6 video counseling sessions. The other group will receive usual care through familial support programs and educational materials from hospital and non-governmental organizations. The intervention period and follow-up last for three months post-intervention to observe changes in mental well-being. Participants will engage in assessments measuring parenting stress, child emotional and behavioral symptoms, anxiety, depression, psychological flexibility, and app usability at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and three months later. The study uses randomized allocation and double-blinding to compare outcomes between groups. Parents will be monitored throughout for mental health changes and intervention acceptability, with the total study duration covering these evaluation points.

Pai.ACT - An Artificial Intelligence Driven Chatbot Assisted ACT