Parent-mediated intervention program for children with Autism in low-resource communities
Efficacy of the ASD Screening and Parent ENgagement (ASPEN) Intervention Program in Low-Resource Communities
This study is testing a new program that helps parents of young children with autism in low-resource communities learn effective strategies and support to improve their child's development and their own well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 320 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Months to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT04505488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The ASPEN program is a culturally adapted intervention designed to support parents of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or those at risk for it. This program consists of 12 sessions that provide psychoeducation on child development and self-care, along with coaching on evidence-based strategies for use at home. Delivered by a student clinician and a peer leader, the program aims to enhance both child outcomes and parent well-being through education and social support. The intervention targets low-resource households to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are children aged 18 months to 6 years who have a diagnosis of Autism or are at risk for Autism, and who come from low-resource households.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the age criteria or do not have a diagnosis or risk for Autism will not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve developmental outcomes for children with Autism and enhance the skills and confidence of their parents.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar parent-mediated interventions for Autism, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child is between 18 months through 6 years of age * Child has a medical diagnosis or educational classification of Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or child is at-risk for Autism/ASD as determined by the Modified-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers - Revised/Follow-up Interview (M-CHAT-R/F) and/or Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) * Child resides in a low-resource household as determined by at least one of the following criteria: * -Child or family has Medicaid as an insurance provider * -Child's primary caregiver has achieved a high school or lower education * -Child resides in a household with an annual income of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level Exclusion Criteria: * Primary caregiver does not speak/understand English or Spanish * Child is younger 18 months or older than 6 years of age * Child does not have a medical diagnosis or educational classification of Autism/ASD or does not meet at-risk criteria on the M-CHAT-R/F and/or SCQ * Child does not reside in low-resource household
Where this trial is running
Austin, Texas
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sandra B Vanegas, PhD — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Sandra B Vanegas, PhD
- Email: sandra.vanegas@austin.utexas.edu
- Phone: 5122454579
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.