Panellists: Niesha Illingworth¹, Alex Brown¹, & Koomal Kaur²

Moderator: Penelope Schulz³

Abstract:  This panel will explore how ACT can be effectively integrated into early intervention frameworks by combining insights from three perspectives:

• A Psychologist specializing in ACT will discuss the theoretical foundations and research behind ACT for autism caregivers.
• A Parent who has undergone ACT-based parent training will share their lived experiences and how ACT influenced their child’s intervention journey.
• A Behaviour Analyst who applies ACT in practice will provide real-world applications and strategies for embedding ACT principles into early intervention settings.

The panel will discuss challenges, ethical considerations, and how ACT can improve family engagement, intervention effectiveness, and child outcomes. The session will include interactive discussions, practical tools, and an open Q&A to foster discussion on the future of ACT in early interventions.

Target Audience: Behaviour Analysts, Early Intervention Practitioners, Psychologists, Parents and Caregivers, Educators and Allied Health Professionals

Learning Objectives: After this panel, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe the core principles of ACT and their relevance to early intervention.
2. Identify how psychological flexibility in parents improves engagement and reduces burnout in early intervention programs.
3. Apply ACT strategies in parent training to enhance emotional resilience, reduce stress, and increase follow-through with interventions.