Chatbot-based Assistant to Improve Problem-solving Skills in Parents of Children With ASD

A report by the World Health Organization reveals that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is among the most prevalent and significant developmental disorders affecting children, is diagnosed in roughly one out of every 100 children around the world. This condition can cause a range of disabilities and changes in how a child communicates and interacts socially. Parenting a child with ASD is a continuous and demanding journey, often marked by heightened stress and mental health challenges for the caregivers. These parents must navigate an array of daily pressures, such as limited influence over their child's behaviors, concerns about the child's cognitive progress and their acquisition of adaptive skills, as well as the relentless requirements of caregiving and time management. They also grapple with worries regarding their bond with their child and the looming uncertainties about the child's long-term prospects. As children with ASD grow, their evolving needs can introduce new complexities. In comparison to parents of neurotypical children, those raising children with ASD encounter a significantly greater number of stress-inducing factors. The problem-solving ability is a key factor in helping parents cope with these stressors, improve their mental health, and have a positive impact on their child and other family members. There is a pressing need to find widely accepted interventions that can improve problem-solving skills and reduce distress in parents of children with ASD.

Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) focuses on developing practical problem-solving abilities to enhance coping mechanisms and reduce psychological distress. Although PSST has demonstrated remarkable success in various populations, its application specifically for parents of children with ASD remains understudied. Given the unique challenges faced by ASD caregivers, there is a pressing need to investigate how PSST might be adapted and implemented to support this specific population's mental health and problem-solving capabilities.

Considering the convenience, low cost and popularity of Chatbot, Chatbot-based PSST (C-PSST) will be administered in this study. A pilot study will be proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of C-PSST. A total of 20 caregivers of children will be recruited to receive the C-PSST and usual service. Through this proposed project, we shall determine (i) whether the C-PSST is acceptable and feasible for parents of children with ASD, (ii) whether it can improve problem-solving abilities and well-being, reduce depressive symptoms, and improve the quality of life in caregivers of children with ASD.

The findings will provide evidence for C-PSST in Chinese caregivers, inform evidence-based practice to provide mental health support to caregivers of children with ASD, and provide essential guidance for practitioners (such as nurses and social workers), and policymakers to improve the quality of life in families of children with ASD.

The inclusion criteria are parents:

(i) providing long-term care for children with a diagnosis of ASD from a qualified clinician according to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5), confirmed through the provision of written documentation by parents, (ii) who identified as the primary caregiver of the children with ASD, (iii) who are older than 18 years old, and (iv) who have the ability to communicate in and read Chinese.

Exclusion criteria

are parents:

(i) who attended other parent training programs at the same time, (ii) who declined to complete the three scheduled assessments, and (iii) who had a diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder) or cognitive impairment.