Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)ACT-CFSMNCT07582627
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Parents of Children With ASD: Effects on Cognitive Fusion, Stigma, and Mindfulness
A study testing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), run by University of Jazan at 1 site in Saudi Arabia.
Trial summary
The goal of this intervention is to evaluate whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can improve psychological well-being among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. The study focuses on parents aged 18 years and older who are caring for children diagnosed with ASD. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- What is being tested?
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSaudi Arabia
- Study dates
- 25 Jan 2026to 26 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Parents or caregivers have children diagnosed with ASD,
- Age from 18 to 65 years old.
- Both sexes
- willing to participate in the study and able to communicate.
Who cannot join
- Caregivers with physical and mental disabilities were excluded.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Cognitive Fusion, Affiliate Stigma, and Mindfulness of Parents to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
The goal of this intervention is to evaluate whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can improve psychological well-being among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. The study focuses on parents aged 18 years and older who are caring for children diagnosed with ASD. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does ACT reduce affiliate stigma among parents of children with ASD?
- Does ACT reduce cognitive fusion among parents of children with ASD?
- Does ACT improve mindfulness levels among parents of children with ASD?
- Does ACT reduce mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) among parents of children with ASD?
- Does ACT influence perceived social support among parents of children with ASD?
Read more
Participants will take part in an ACT-based intervention program and complete questionnaires before and after the intervention. Specifically, participants will:
- Attend structured ACT sessions delivered online over five weeks.
- Complete questionnaires measuring affiliate stigma, cognitive fusion, and mindfulness before the intervention.
- Complete the same questionnaires after the intervention to assess changes.
Read the detailed description
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in improving psychological outcomes among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. Parents of children with ASD often experience elevated psychological distress, including high levels of cognitive fusion, affiliate stigma, and reduced mindfulness and mental health issues (Depression, anxiety, and stress), which may negatively affect their well-being and caregiver capacity.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a third-wave behavioral intervention designed to enhance psychological flexibility through processes such as acceptance, cognitive fusion, present-moment awareness, and values-based action. This study investigates whether participation in an ACT-based intervention can reduce cognitive fusion and affiliate stigma while improving mindfulness and decreasing mental health issues (Depression, anxiety, and stress) among parents of children with ASD.
The study will adopt a quasi-experimental one-group pre-post design. Participants will be recruited from autism support centers, healthcare institutions, and community settings. Eligible participants will complete baseline assessments prior to the intervention, followed by post-intervention assessments using validated instruments to evaluate changes in study outcomes.
Intervention Description:
The ACT intervention will be delivered by a trained mental health professional with expertise in ACT. The program will consist of structured group sessions conducted online via a secure platform. Sessions will focus on core ACT processes, including acceptance of internal experiences, cognitive fusion techniques, mindfulness exercises, values clarification, and committed action.
Each session will include psycho-education, guided experiential exercises, group discussions, and homework assignments to reinforce skill acquisition and application in daily life.
Study Procedures:
Data will be collected at two time points: baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the intervention (post-intervention). Standardized self-report instruments will be used to assess cognitive fusion, affiliate stigma, mindfulness, psychological well-being, and mental health issues (Depression, anxiety, and stress). Data collection will be conducted using secure electronic platforms.
Data Quality Assurance:
A structured data quality assurance plan will be implemented to ensure accuracy and completeness. Electronic data entry systems will include predefined validation rules such as range checks, mandatory fields, and logical consistency checks across variables. Periodic data reviews will be conducted to identify and resolve inconsistencies.
Data Monitoring and Verification:
Routine monitoring procedures will be applied to ensure data completeness and reliability. A subset of records will undergo source data verification by comparing entered data with original responses to ensure accuracy. Any discrepancies will be reviewed and corrected by the research team.
Data Dictionary and Coding:
A comprehensive data dictionary will be developed to define all study variables, scoring procedures, and coding systems. Standardized scoring guidelines for validated instruments will be followed to ensure consistency across all participants.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
Standard Operating Procedures will guide all aspects of the study, including participant recruitment, intervention delivery, data collection, data management, and statistical analysis. SOPs will also address data confidentiality, protocol adherence, and management of any unexpected issues during the study.
Sample Size Considerations:
The sample size is determined based on statistical power analysis to detect meaningful differences between pre- and post-intervention outcomes. The selected sample size is considered adequate to identify moderate intervention effects within a single-group design.
Handling of Missing Data:
Missing data will be assessed for patterns and mechanisms. Appropriate statistical approaches, such as maximum likelihood estimation or multiple imputation, will be applied depending on the extent and nature of missing data. Efforts will be made during data collection to minimize missing responses.
Statistical Analysis Plan:
Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize participant characteristics and baseline measures. Inferential analyses will include paired t-tests or non-parametric equivalents to assess differences between pre- and post-intervention scores. Additional analyses, such as regression modeling, may be conducted to explore predictors of change in outcomes. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Being tested
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Keywords
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Caregivers, Parents, Psychological Flexibility, Mindfulness, Cognitive Fusion, Stigma, Caregiver Burden, Depression, Anxiety, Stress
- Medical subject headings
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Stigma, Caregiver Burden, Depression, Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Behavioural
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a structured behavioral intervention designed to enhance psychological flexibility through mindfulness, acceptance, and value-based action. In this study, ACT was delivered online by a trained mental health nurse to parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The intervention consisted of multiple sessions conducted weekly over several weeks. Sessions included psycho-education about ACT principles, mindfulness exercises, cognitive fusion techniques, and strategies to promote acceptance and value-driven behavior. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, guided activities, and homework assignments. The intervention aimed to reduce cognitive fusion and affiliate stigma while improving mindfulness. Outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate effectiveness.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group | Experimental | Participants in this arm received a structured Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention delivered online. The program consisted of multiple sessions conducted weekly, focusing on mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive fusion, and value-based action. The intervention aimed to reduce cognitive fusion and affiliate stigma while improving mindfulness among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Participants completed outcome measures before and after the intervention to assess changes. Receives: Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cognitive Fusion
Cognitive fusion will be assessed using the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), a 7-item self-report scale rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Higher total scores indicate greater cognitive fusion and lower psychological flexibility.
Measured: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Affiliate Stigma
Affiliate stigma will be measured using the Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS), a 22-item self-report instrument assessing affective, cognitive, and behavioral domains. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater levels of stigma experienced by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Measured: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Mindfulness
Mindfulness will be measured using the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R), a 10-item self-report scale assessing attention, awareness, and acceptance. Higher scores indicate greater levels of mindfulness.
Measured: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Psychological distress will be measured using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). It assesses emotional states across three subscales, with higher scores indicating greater distress.
Measured: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Perceived Social Support
Perceived social support will be assessed using the 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), measuring support from family, friends, and significant others. Higher scores indicate greater perceived support.
Measured: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 May 2026
- Study start25 Jan 2026
- Primary completion26 Feb 2026
- Study completion26 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (26)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Jazan
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Amani Ali Kappi, University of Jazan
- Investigators
- Amani A. Kappi, PhD, Principal investigator, University of JazanWarda H. Al Shahat, PhD, Study director, University of Jazan
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07582627
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- JU-CON-2026-001
- Other IDs
- JU-NUR-ACT-2026
- Acronym
- ACT-CFSM
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 13 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Yesilkaya, M., & Magallón-Neri, E. (2024). Parental Stress Related to Caring for a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Benefit of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Parental Stress: A Systematic Review. Sage Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241235033
Salami, I., & Alhalal, E. (2024). Affiliate stigma among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia. BMC Psychology, 12(1), 145. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01545-y
Zimet, G. D., Dahlem, N. W., Zimet, S. G., & Farley, G. K. (1988). The multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Journal of personality assessment, 52(1), 30-41
Wong CCY, Mak WWS, Liao KYH. 2016. Self-compassion: a potential buffer against affiliate stigma experienced by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Mindfulness 7(6):1385-1395 DOI 10.1007/s12671-016-0580-2.
Mak WWS, Kwok YTY. Internalization of stigma for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Hong Kong. Soc Sci Med. 2010 Jun;70(12):2045-2051. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.02.023. Epub 2010 Mar 12.
PubMed 20362379Mak, W. W., & Cheung, R. Y. (2008). Affiliate stigma among caregivers of people with intellectual disability or mental illness. Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities, 21(6), 532-545.
Mohammed, A. S., Eliwa, S. M., & Zaki, R. A. H. (2020). Relationship between psychological well-being and coping strategies among family caregivers of children with Down syndrome. Egyptian Journal of Health Care, 11(4), 155-172.
Lovell B, Wetherell MA. Affiliate stigma, perceived social support and perceived stress in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder: A multiple mediation study. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2019 Oct;33(5):31-35. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2019.08.012. Epub 2019 Aug 20.
PubMed 31711591Lovibond, S.H. & Lovibond, P.F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety & Stress Scales. (2nd Ed.) Sydney: Psychology Foundation.
Lunsky Y, Fung K, Lake J, Steel J, Bryce K. 2017. Evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for mothers of children and youth with autism spectrum Disorder. Mindfulness 9(4):1110-1116.
Kinnear SH, Link BG, Ballan MS, Fischbach RL. Understanding the Experience of Stigma for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Role Stigma Plays in Families' Lives. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Mar;46(3):942-53. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2637-9.
PubMed 26659549Alkhateeb JM, Hadidi MS, Mounzer W. The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Parents in Arab Countries: A Systematic Literature Review. Front Psychol. 2022 Jul 14;13:955442. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.955442. eCollection 2022.
PubMed 35911024Gillanders DT, Bolderston H, Bond FW, Dempster M, Flaxman PE, Campbell L, Kerr S, Tansey L, Noel P, Ferenbach C, Masley S, Roach L, Lloyd J, May L, Clarke S, Remington B. The development and initial validation of the cognitive fusion questionnaire. Behav Ther. 2014 Jan;45(1):83-101. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2013.09.001. Epub 2013 Sep 18.
PubMed 24411117Fekih-Romdhane F, Fawaz M, Hallit R, Sawma T, Obeid S, Hallit S. Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the multidimensional social support scale (MSPSS) in a community sample of adults. BMC Psychiatry. 2023 Jun 14;23(1):432. doi: 10.1186/s12888-023-04937-z.
PubMed 37316897Fung K, Lake J, Steel L, Bryce K, Lunsky Y. ACT Processes in Group Intervention for Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2018 Aug;48(8):2740-2747. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3525-x.
PubMed 29546537
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Cognitive Fusion, Affiliate Stigma, and Mindfulness of Parents to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07582627
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ACT-CFSM / JU-CON-2026-001
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Keywords
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Caregivers, Parents, Psychological Flexibility, Mindfulness, Cognitive Fusion, Stigma
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of JazanOther government
- Study start
- 25 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 26 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this intervention is to evaluate whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can improve psychological well-being among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. The study focuses on parents aged 18 years and older who are caring for children diagnosed with ASD. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does ACT reduce affiliate stigma among parents of children with ASD?
- Does ACT reduce cognitive fusion among parents of children with ASD?
- Does ACT improve mindfulness levels among parents of children with ASD?
- Does ACT reduce mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) among parents of children with ASD?
- Does ACT influence perceived social support among parents of children with ASD?
Participants will take part in an ACT-based intervention program and complete questionnaires before and after the intervention. Specifically, participants will:
- Attend structured ACT sessions delivered online over five weeks.
- Complete questionnaires measuring affiliate stigma, cognitive fusion, and mindfulness before the intervention.
- Complete the same questionnaires after the intervention to assess changes.
Detailed description
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in improving psychological outcomes among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. Parents of children with ASD often experience elevated psychological distress, including high levels of cognitive fusion, affiliate stigma, and reduced mindfulness and mental health issues (Depression, anxiety, and stress), which may negatively affect their well-being and caregiver capacity.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a third-wave behavioral intervention designed to enhance psychological flexibility through processes such as acceptance, cognitive fusion, present-moment awareness, and values-based action. This study investigates whether participation in an ACT-based intervention can reduce cognitive fusion and affiliate stigma while improving mindfulness and decreasing mental health issues (Depression, anxiety, and stress) among parents of children with ASD.
The study will adopt a quasi-experimental one-group pre-post design. Participants will be recruited from autism support centers, healthcare institutions, and community settings. Eligible participants will complete baseline assessments prior to the intervention, followed by post-intervention assessments using validated instruments to evaluate changes in study outcomes.
Intervention Description:
The ACT intervention will be delivered by a trained mental health professional with expertise in ACT. The program will consist of structured group sessions conducted online via a secure platform. Sessions will focus on core ACT processes, including acceptance of internal experiences, cognitive fusion techniques, mindfulness exercises, values clarification, and committed action.
Each session will include psycho-education, guided experiential exercises, group discussions, and homework assignments to reinforce skill acquisition and application in daily life.
Study Procedures:
Data will be collected at two time points: baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the intervention (post-intervention). Standardized self-report instruments will be used to assess cognitive fusion, affiliate stigma, mindfulness, psychological well-being, and mental health issues (Depression, anxiety, and stress). Data collection will be conducted using secure electronic platforms.
Data Quality Assurance:
A structured data quality assurance plan will be implemented to ensure accuracy and completeness. Electronic data entry systems will include predefined validation rules such as range checks, mandatory fields, and logical consistency checks across variables. Periodic data reviews will be conducted to identify and resolve inconsistencies.
Data Monitoring and Verification:
Routine monitoring procedures will be applied to ensure data completeness and reliability. A subset of records will undergo source data verification by comparing entered data with original responses to ensure accuracy. Any discrepancies will be reviewed and corrected by the research team.
Data Dictionary and Coding:
A comprehensive data dictionary will be developed to define all study variables, scoring procedures, and coding systems. Standardized scoring guidelines for validated instruments will be followed to ensure consistency across all participants.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
Standard Operating Procedures will guide all aspects of the study, including participant recruitment, intervention delivery, data collection, data management, and statistical analysis. SOPs will also address data confidentiality, protocol adherence, and management of any unexpected issues during the study.
Sample Size Considerations:
The sample size is determined based on statistical power analysis to detect meaningful differences between pre- and post-intervention outcomes. The selected sample size is considered adequate to identify moderate intervention effects within a single-group design.
Handling of Missing Data:
Missing data will be assessed for patterns and mechanisms. Appropriate statistical approaches, such as maximum likelihood estimation or multiple imputation, will be applied depending on the extent and nature of missing data. Efforts will be made during data collection to minimize missing responses.
Statistical Analysis Plan:
Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize participant characteristics and baseline measures. Inferential analyses will include paired t-tests or non-parametric equivalents to assess differences between pre- and post-intervention scores. Additional analyses, such as regression modeling, may be conducted to explore predictors of change in outcomes. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Participants in this arm received a structured Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention delivered online. The program consisted of multiple sessions conducted weekly, focusing on mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive fusion, and value-based action. The intervention aimed to reduce cognitive fusion and affiliate stigma while improving mindfulness among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Participants completed outcome measures before and after the intervention to assess changes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Parents or caregivers have children diagnosed with ASD,
- Age from 18 to 65 years old.
- Both sexes
- willing to participate in the study and able to communicate.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Caregivers with physical and mental disabilities were excluded.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a structured behavioral intervention designed to enhance psychological flexibility through mindfulness, acceptance, and value-based action. In this study, ACT was delivered online by a trained mental health nurse to parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The intervention consisted of multiple sessions conducted weekly over several weeks. Sessions included psycho-education about ACT principles, mindfulness exercises, cognitive fusion techniques, and strategies to promote acceptance and value-driven behavior. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, guided activities, and homework assignments. The intervention aimed to reduce cognitive fusion and affiliate stigma while improving mindfulness. Outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate effectiveness. | Behavioural | Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group |
Primary outcome
Cognitive Fusion
Time frame: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Cognitive fusion will be assessed using the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), a 7-item self-report scale rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Higher total scores indicate greater cognitive fusion and lower psychological flexibility.
Affiliate Stigma
Time frame: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Affiliate stigma will be measured using the Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS), a 22-item self-report instrument assessing affective, cognitive, and behavioral domains. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater levels of stigma experienced by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Mindfulness
Time frame: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Mindfulness will be measured using the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R), a 10-item self-report scale assessing attention, awareness, and acceptance. Higher scores indicate greater levels of mindfulness.
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Time frame: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Psychological distress will be measured using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). It assesses emotional states across three subscales, with higher scores indicating greater distress.
Perceived Social Support
Time frame: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)
Perceived social support will be assessed using the 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), measuring support from family, friends, and significant others. Higher scores indicate greater perceived support.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 May 2026.
- BackgroundYesilkaya, M., & Magallón-Neri, E. (2024). Parental Stress Related to Caring for a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Benefit of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Parental Stress: A Systematic Review. Sage Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241235033
- BackgroundSalami, I., & Alhalal, E. (2024). Affiliate stigma among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia. BMC Psychology, 12(1), 145. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01545-y
- BackgroundZimet, G. D., Dahlem, N. W., Zimet, S. G., & Farley, G. K. (1988). The multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Journal of personality assessment, 52(1), 30-41
- BackgroundWong CCY, Mak WWS, Liao KYH. 2016. Self-compassion: a potential buffer against affiliate stigma experienced by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Mindfulness 7(6):1385-1395 DOI 10.1007/s12671-016-0580-2.
- Background: PubMed 20362379Mak WWS, Kwok YTY. Internalization of stigma for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Hong Kong. Soc Sci Med. 2010 Jun;70(12):2045-2051. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.02.023. Epub 2010 Mar 12.
- BackgroundMak, W. W., & Cheung, R. Y. (2008). Affiliate stigma among caregivers of people with intellectual disability or mental illness. Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities, 21(6), 532-545.
- BackgroundMohammed, A. S., Eliwa, S. M., & Zaki, R. A. H. (2020). Relationship between psychological well-being and coping strategies among family caregivers of children with Down syndrome. Egyptian Journal of Health Care, 11(4), 155-172.
- Background: PubMed 31711591Lovell B, Wetherell MA. Affiliate stigma, perceived social support and perceived stress in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder: A multiple mediation study. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2019 Oct;33(5):31-35. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2019.08.012. Epub 2019 Aug 20.
- BackgroundLovibond, S.H. & Lovibond, P.F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety & Stress Scales. (2nd Ed.) Sydney: Psychology Foundation.
- BackgroundLunsky Y, Fung K, Lake J, Steel J, Bryce K. 2017. Evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for mothers of children and youth with autism spectrum Disorder. Mindfulness 9(4):1110-1116.
- Background: PubMed 26659549Kinnear SH, Link BG, Ballan MS, Fischbach RL. Understanding the Experience of Stigma for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Role Stigma Plays in Families' Lives. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Mar;46(3):942-53. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2637-9.
- Background: PubMed 35911024Alkhateeb JM, Hadidi MS, Mounzer W. The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Parents in Arab Countries: A Systematic Literature Review. Front Psychol. 2022 Jul 14;13:955442. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.955442. eCollection 2022.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Amani A. Kappi, PhD principal investigator
University of Jazan
Warda H. Al Shahat, PhD study director
University of Jazan
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), run by University of Jazan at 1 site in Saudi Arabia.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Saudi Arabia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cognitive Fusion (time frame: - Baseline (Week 0) - Post-intervention (Week 5)). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07582627, which also lists 26 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 May 2026.