Examining the effectiveness of the ASISTIR program for Latinx families of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is difficult for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families because they must learn to navigate school-based transition planning and the complex adult service delivery system. For Latinx (versus White) families of youth with ASD, this period is especially difficult because of the systemic barriers (e.g., language) Latinx families face when accessing services and cultural differences that may exist among themselves and service providers. To these ends, researchers have developed interventions to support families of transition-aged youth with ASD to navigate school-based transition planning and the adult service delivery system. However, few interventions target Latinx families of transition-aged youth with ASD. In this study, I examined 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 transition-aged youth with ASD, 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. Findings from the multiple methods (i.e., pre, post, and follow-up surveys, formative and summative evaluations, and individual interviews) indicated that the participants had significantly improved: knowledge of school-based transition planning and adult disability services, advocacy, and empowerment. Additionally, participants were highly satisfied with the program, based on the formative and summative evaluations and individual interviews. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Aleman-Tovar, Janeth

Contributors dc:contributor

• Burke, Meghan M
• Corr, Catherine
• Santos, Rosa M
• Taylor, Julie L

• Transition planning
• Latinx families
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Parent education program

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2022 Janeth Aleman-Tovar

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115564

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F115564