Pilot of an AI-Enabled Autism Caregiver Support Tool in Indiana and Kenya
Key facts
- Where
- Indianapolis, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Indiana UniversityIndianapolis, United StatesNo 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
- Indiana University
- Trial code
- NCT07821619
- Record updated
- 16 September 2026
- Original description
This prospective pilot study will evaluate an AI-enabled autism caregiver support tool for caregivers of children with autism in Indiana and Kenya. The tool is designed to provide evidence-based autism information, caregiver emotional support, and local service-navigation guidance, with safety guardrails and escalation pathways for high-risk concerns. Caregivers will receive access to the tool and complete baseline and follow-up assessments. The primary purpose of the study is to assess feasibility, acceptability, safety, engagement, and clinical-trial readiness. Exploratory caregiver outcomes include autism knowledge, caregiver self-efficacy, emotional distress and well-being, resource navigation, unmet needs, service engagement, satisfaction, and preparedness to take next steps after diagnosis. Findings will inform the design of a future fully powered effectiveness-implementation trial.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Prospective Pilot Study of an AI-Enabled Autism Caregiver Support Tool to Assess Feasibility, Acceptability, Safety, Engagement, and Clinical-Trial Readiness in Indiana and Kenya
This prospective pilot study will evaluate an AI-enabled autism caregiver support tool for caregivers of children with autism in Indiana and Kenya. The tool is designed to provide evidence-based autism information, caregiver emotional support, and local service-navigation guidance, with safety guardrails and escalation pathways for high-risk concerns. Caregivers will receive access to the tool and complete baseline and follow-up assessments. The primary purpose of the study is to assess feasibility, acceptability, safety, engagement, and clinical-trial readiness. Exploratory caregiver outcomes include autism knowledge, caregiver self-efficacy, emotional distress and well-being, resource navigation, unmet needs, service engagement, satisfaction, and preparedness to take next steps after diagnosis. Findings will inform the design of a future fully powered effectiveness-implementation trial.
Inclusion: Adult caregiver aged 18 years or older; Parent or primary caregiver of a child with autism spectrum disorder; Resides within the study catchment area in Indiana, United States or western Kenya; Able to provide informed consent; Has access to a mobile phone, tablet, or computer capable of accessing the AI-enabled caregiver support tool; Able to communicate in a study-supported language; Willing to use the AI-enabled caregiver support tool and complete study assessments.
Exclusion: Younger than 18 years of age; Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent; Unable to access the AI-enabled caregiver support tool using an internet-connected device; Unable to complete study procedures or assessments due to cognitive, communication, or other limitations that preclude participation; Currently participating in another study that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with study participation or interpretation of study findings.