Testing an Advocacy Program to Improve Service Access Among Latino Families of Autistic Youth: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Families of transition-aged youth with autism often struggle to access services. Due to systemic barriers, Latino, Spanish-speaking families of autistic youth especially struggle to access services. One way to improve service access is through parent advocacy abilities (i.e., knowledge of adult services, advocacy abilities and comfort, empowerment). To improve parent advocacy abilities and, ultimately, service access, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the feasibility and efficacy of an advocacy program: ASISTIR (Apoyando a nueStros hIjo/as con autiSmo obTener servIcios de tRansición; Supporting our Children with Autism to Obtain Transition Services). Of the 30 participants who were retained for analyses, intervention (vs. waitlist-control) group participants demonstrated significant increases in knowledge about adult services, advocacy activities, advocacy skills and comfort, and empowerment. Further, intervention (vs. waitlist-control) group participants demonstrated significantly greater service access. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT06207149