A Phone App Based on Acceptance Therapy for Caregivers of Children With Autism
Tests a phone app program for caregivers of children with autism.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Heart Voice: Starry Journey - A Digital ACT Intervention for ASD Caregivers
Key facts
- Where
- Daqing, ChinaSee the site
Where in China
- Harbin Medical University, Daqing CampusDaqing, ChinaNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Harbin Medical University
- Trial code
- NCT07319455
- Record updated
- 15 September 2026
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Heart Voice: Starry Journey" program, a family-centric and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based digital narrative intervention, in improving psychological flexibility and mental health among primary caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main questions it aims to answer are:Read full original descriptionShow less
Heart Voice: Starry Journey - A Family-Centric and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Based Digital Narrative Intervention, on Psychological Flexibility and Mental Health in Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Heart Voice: Starry Journey" program, a family-centric and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based digital narrative intervention, in improving psychological flexibility and mental health among primary caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Does the "Heart Voice: Starry Journey" intervention lead to a greater improvement in psychological flexibility among caregivers of children with ASD, compared to a control group? 2. Does the "Heart Voice: Starry Journey" intervention lead to a greater reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression among caregivers of children with ASD, compared to a control group? Researchers will compare the intervention group (using the "Heart Voice: Starry Journey" program) with a wait-list control group (receiving usual care and access to the intervention after the trial) to see if the digital intervention is more effective.
Participants in the intervention group will:
* Use the "Heart Voice: Starry Journey" mobile application over a 6-week period, engaging with interactive stories and ACT-based exercises. * Complete a series of online questionnaires about their psychological flexibility, anxiety, depression, and caregiver burden at the beginning of the study, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and at a follow-up time point (1 months later).
Participants in the wait-list control group will:
* Continue with their usual care routines during the study period. * Complete the same series of online questionnaires at the same time points as the intervention group.
Inclusion: The child being cared for has been professionally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5); The primary caregiver of the child with ASD (parent or legal guardian). If multiple primary caregivers exist in the family, the one with the longest caregiving time will be included; Possesses basic cognitive and literacy skills. Provides informed consent and voluntarily agrees to participate in the study.
Exclusion: Currently participating in other psychological intervention studies or having received structured psychological support services within the past 3 months; The child being cared for has comorbid serious organic diseases (e.g., epilepsy, congenital heart disease) or neurological damage; The family has experienced a major negative life event (e.g., bereavement, severe financial crisis, natural disaster) within the past 6 months.