ERIC Number: EJ1466087
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Apr
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Examining the Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Acceptability of an Advocacy Program for Latinx Families of Transition-Aged Autistic Youth
Janeth Aleman-Tovar1; Meghan M. Burke2; Edwin Monárrez3; Nicole Espinosa Zaldivar3
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v29 n4 p1005-1018 2025
Families of autistic youth often support their children's transition from adolescence to adulthood. During this time, families learn to navigate the complex shift from school-based to adult disability services. For Latinx (vs non-Latinx White) families of autistic youth, transition is especially difficult because of the systemic barriers (e.g. language) Latinx families face when accessing services. Unfortunately, few interventions aim to improve the transition among Latinx families of autistic transition-aged youth. This study examines the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of the ASISTIR (Apoyando a nueStros hIjo/as con autiSmo obTener servIcios de tRansición; Supporting our Children with Autism to Obtain Transition Services) program, a six-session program for Latinx families of autistic youth, with respect to increasing: school-based transition planning and adult disability services knowledge, empowerment, and advocacy. Twenty-nine participants were included in this single-group, intervention study. After completing the program, participants demonstrated significantly improved: knowledge of school-based transition planning and adult disability services, advocacy, and empowerment. In addition, participants were highly satisfied with the program, based on the formative and summative evaluations and individual interviews. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Descriptors: Advocacy, Hispanic Americans, Family (Sociological Unit), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Youth, Program Effectiveness, Barriers, Individualized Transition Plans, Cultural Differences, Language Usage, Special Education, Social Services
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1California State University, Chico, USA; 2Vanderbilt University, USA; 3University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, USA