Implementation of parents taking action: A culturally adapted training for caregivers of young children with autism in Paraguay

The demand for services and resources to support individuals with autism has increased in correspondence with the rising prevalence of autism around the globe. However, access to resources to support children with autism and their families is inequitable. Specifically, caregivers and researchers report that there is limited availability of resources and services to support autistic children and their families in low-to-middle-income settings and countries. Training caregivers and building their capacity may be a cost-effective and appropriate way to deliver support for caregivers of autistic children in low-resourced settings. Caregiver training is an evidence-based practice that leads to positive outcomes for both caregivers and their autistic children. However, to date, most caregiver training research has been conducted in high-income countries and researchers emphasize the need to consider contextual local and cultural aspects when providing caregiver training in different settings. Culturally appropriate caregiver training may be an effective way to provide support to these families. Therefore, in this study, using a convergent mixed-methods design including a single-arm pre-post design and semi-structured interviews, I evaluated the effects and social validity of a culturally adapted caregiver training program with caregivers of autistic children in Paraguay. The program included ten 2-hour long sessions and was co-delivered by caregivers of autistic children and a researcher, in an online synchronous group format over a 3-month period. Overall, 22 caregivers started the program and 17 completed the program. Findings show that caregivers increased their knowledge about autism, their understanding of their children’s strengths and needs, and their advocacy knowledge and skills. Additionally, caregivers deemed the program feasible, acceptable, and needed in the Paraguayan context. Implications for policy and practice, and directions for future research 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

2024

Author dc:creator

• Terol Aveiro, Adriana Kaori

Contributors dc:contributor

• Meadan, Hedda
• Magaña, Sandy
• Xia, Yan
• Burke, Meghan M

• Caregiver Training
• Autism
• Low-to-middle Income Country
• Paraguay
• Cultural Adaptation

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Adriana Kaori Terol Aveiro

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125549

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F125549