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.