Theme: Technology

Project Description

Whilst autism and ADHD are most commonly diagnosed in childhood, increasing numbers of people are diagnosed in adulthood; sometimes resulting from seeking assessment and/or support for their neurodivergent (defined here as autistic and/or having ADHD) child. Parenting can intensify the shared characteristics of ADHD and autism, such as social/communication, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, and executive functioning differences. Whilst literature is sparse, neurodivergent parents have reported high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, and having limited appropriate support for their parenting role. Traditional parenting support has been reported as being unhelpful, inappropriate, or inaccessible for neurodivergent parents, with calls being made to tailor parenting support to the particular needs of neurodivergent parents. The risks of overlooking support needs include increased parental burden, mental and physical health problems, and poor outcomes for children.

This project seeks to co-design and feasibility test a tailored digital parenting programme (built on an existing digital mobile app interface) to support mental wellbeing and self-efficacy in neurodivergent parents. Co-design is embedded throughout, with an active co-production and co-design group of neurodivergent parents. It comprises four connected stages: (1) co-design an AI-supported tailored parenting app with a dedicated group of neurodivergent parents, (2) pilot the co-designed app on a small scale with a separate group of neurodivergent parents, (3) redevelop the app based on feedback from the piloting work, and (4) undertake a two arm feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the co-designed app compared to a control group who receive access to static information for neurodivergent parents.