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Autism

The SAFE Study

Calling for participants until

31 Mar 2028

Participant type

13-16 years

Rewards

N/A

Overview

SAFE is a study for families of autistic children. 

Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling (SAFE) is a package of support for families of autistic children based on Family Therapy. 

We will invite 494 families of autistic children to take part. From these families, 329 will be chosen at random to receive SAFE, as well as usual care. 

Summary

Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling (SAFE) is a package of support for families of autistic children based on Family Therapy.

SAFE includes known ways of helping autistic people. We will carry out a large study to find out whether SAFE is helpful for families. We also want to know if the cost is acceptable to use SAFE in the NHS. We will also find out what would help use of SAFE in the NHS or make it difficult.

Design Based on what we know worked in our previous research, we will invite 494 families of autistic children from six sites in the UK to take part. From these families, 329 will be chosen at random to receive SAFE, as well as usual care. Usual care is what families receive from the NHS or local authority. The other families will receive usual care only. SAFE supports the whole family. When taking part in SAFE, families can decide who makes up their family. The autistic child and their main carer must take part. 

For more information, please visit the study website: https:www.plymouth.ac.uk/safe2

To register your interest, please click here: SAFE: Expression of interest

Email the study contact
  • your family has an autistic child aged 13-16 years
  • your child has autism severity level 1 or 2 (this means they have spoken language and could be educated in a main stream school with support, but may not be in a mainstream school at the moment)
  • If other diagnosis are present, for example ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, autism must be the main diagnosis.
  • If there are any circumstances that may make it difficult for your family to take part and attend visits.
  • If your family is current taking part in another family therapy programme.
  • If your family is unable to communicate in English.

Meet the researcher

Jemma Regan

Dr Jemma Regan is the Senior Research Practitioner at Devon Partnership NHS Trust and has been part of the team since 2019. She serves as the research lead for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) within Child and Family Health Devon, supporting studies across ADHD, social prescribing, autism, mindfulness-based CBT, low mood and anxiety.

Beyond CAMHS, Jemma also oversees research in adult services, including projects focused on dementia, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, bipolar disorder, low mood and autism. Her academic background includes a decade as a lecturer and researcher specialising in dementia at several universities.

Jemma Regan