Subject - Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of the online Hope Programme for Parents of Autistic Children during COVID-19 Message body - Background Parents of autistic children can experience lower levels of psychological well-being, specifically in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. The online HOPE Programme (HOPE) is a six-week, digital, group-based, positive psychology self-management programme which provides parents with the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their psychological wellbeing. This feasibility RCT tested the acceptability and feasibility of the online HOPE programme to parents of autistic children during COVID-19. Methods This was an online, questionnaire-based, pre-post test, feasibility RCT. Parents of autistic children (N=136; age M=41.0, SD=7.6; 96.0% female) were randomised to the intervention group (IG; n=62) or a waitlist control group (CG; n=74). Participants completed online pre- and post-test outcome measures of positive mental wellbeing (PMWB), depression, anxiety, hope and gratitude. Data were analysed using a 2 (Group; IG, CG) x 2 (Time; pre, post) ANOVA for each outcome measure. Open text-based responses to questions around specific challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic were summarised using thematic analysis. Results The 2x2 ANOVAs revealed significant Group x Time interactions for positive mental wellbeing (p<.001) and hope (p=.003). Post-hoc analyses showed improvements in PMWB (p<.001) and hope (p=.027) for the online Hope programme, but not the Waitlist Control Condition (p=.753 and p=.298, respectively). Thematic analysis revealed parents’ top three concerns during COVID-19 were: i) mental health, ii) social support, iii) school. Discussion Findings show that HOPE has a positive impact on psychological wellbeing for parents of autistic children during COVID-19. A more robust RCT including a long-term follow-up (after 6 months) is needed to determine its overall value and impact. Attachment - see attached Dr. Kim Bul | Research Fellow | Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing | Centre for Intelligent Healthcare | Healthcare Technology & Innovation Coventry University, Richard Crossman building 4th floor, Jordan Well, COVENTRY, CV1 5RW T: +44 (0)7392096677 | E: kim.bul@coventry.ac.uk<mailto:kim.bul@coventry.ac.uk> | W: www.coventry.ac.uk<http://www.coventry.ac.uk/> Working hours: Monday - Friday 8.00 am - 4.00pm https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/persons/kim-bul [1511262490591_PastedImage] No.1 Modern University in the Midlands Guardian University Guide 2021 1st for Overseas Student Experiences based on student trips abroad from HESA 2018/19 UK data Top 30 in the World for International Students QS World University Rankings 2021 University of the Year for Student Experience 2019 The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 NOTICE This message and any files transmitted with it is intended for the addressee only and may contain information that is confidential or privileged. Unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. If you are not the addressee, you should not read, copy, disclose or otherwise use this message, except for the purpose of delivery to the addressee. Any views or opinions expressed within this e-mail are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Coventry University.