Resiliency Programming for Caregivers of Children with Learning Disabilities
(SPARK Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byElyse R Park, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This is a randomized open pilot trial enrolling up to 40 co-primary caregivers of children with LAD. Participants will be randomized to receive either mind-body resiliency group (SMART-LAD, intervention) or an evidence-based group intervention Health Education Program (HEP, control) which is a multiple behavior change program that addresses sleep, exercise, nutrition, substance use, and working with one's healthcare team. Both the SMART-3RP and HEP programs have been modified based on adaptions from our previous qualitative study.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking parents or guardians, aged 18 or older, who have a child under 18 with learning and attentional difficulties (LAD) such as dyslexia or ADHD. Participants must be able to join virtual group sessions using internet-connected devices.

Inclusion Criteria

I speak English.

I am 18 years old or older.

I can join virtual sessions and have a device and internet.

+1 more

Participant Groups

The study compares two programs: SMART-3RP, which focuses on mind-body resiliency for caregivers, and the Health Education Program (HEP), which covers sleep, exercise, nutrition, substance use, and healthcare collaboration. Both are adapted from prior research.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: SMART-3RPExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This is an adapted 8-session group program of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP) for parents of children with LAD.

Group II: Health Education ProgramActive Control1 Intervention

This is an adapted 8-session group program to provide health behavior education.