ENACT (ENvironmental enrichment for infants; parenting with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): A randomised controlled trial of an innovative intervention for babies with an increased chance of autism

April 2019December 2022
The University of Queensland

Are you expecting a new baby? Do you have a family history of Autism Spectrum Conditions?

Learn More about a clinical research study.

About the study

Researchers at The University of Queensland have developed an early intervention approach for families of babies with an increased chance of autism) – that is, for babies with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) on the autism spectrum. 

The early intervention program, ENACT, is delivered online through an e-course, “ENACT 101”, combined with online clinical consultations to assist parents to tailor the intervention to best meet their own individual needs and the needs of their baby.

ENACT harnesses the power of parents' everyday interactions with their babies to support infant development - and parents' own wellbeing - from the earliest months.   

 

What does the study involve?

At the start of the study you will complete initial online assessments and then be randomly allocated into either the ENACT Intervention group or the Care as Usual group. 

ENACT study

 

What are the benefits to participating in this study?

Benefits to you :

Families who are in the ENACT group will get early access to a novel early intervention program. In addition, you will also play a valuable role in refining the content of the program. Every family will receive a report from our developmental paediatrician detailing their infant’s developmental assessments at 12 months of age free of charge.

Benefits to others:

With your help, we hope to refine ENACT and to make it accessible to families of children with an increased chance of autism across the world!

How can I participate?

To participate in this study you need to be currently pregnant with or recently given birth to (<7 weeks of age) a child who has a first-degree relative (that is, a biological mother, father, sister or brother) who has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Condition. Since ENACT will be delivered online, you will also need a reliable internet connection throughout the study.

Participation in this study is voluntary and you can withdraw from this project at any time without penalty.

 

Would you like more information?

If you would like to take part in this study, please click the link below.  

Expression of Interest

If you would like more information, please contact Dr Jacqui Barfoot on 07 3443 6396 or email  uqenact@uq.edu.au.
 
Security of data and Information Confidentiality

During the course of the study, you will be asked to provide your email address so that we can send you the surveys to complete. Your email address will be removed from all our records at the completion of the study. Any data that you provide to us will be de-identified and researchers will not reveal any identified data. All data collected will be stored in a secure location.

Contact Us

If you would like to take part in this study, or have questions and would like more information, please contact Dr Jacqui Barfoot on 07 3443 6396

This study adheres to the Guidelines of the ethical review process of The University of Queensland and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Whilst you are free to discuss your participation in this study with project staff, if you would like to speak to an officer of the University not involved in the study, you may contact the Ethics Coordinator on (07) 3365 3924.

 

 

 

Project members

Dr Koa Whittingham

Senior Research Fellow (Psychologist)

Professor Roslyn Boyd

Professor and Scientific Director

Dr Amy Mitchell

Early Career Research Fellow
School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences

Dr Andrea McGlade

PhD Candidate and Developmental Paediatrician

Professor Honey Heussler

Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician
Queensland Children's Hospital

Dr Jacqui Barfoot

Research Clinician (Occupational Therapy)