Exploring Latine Parent Leaders' and a Program Coordinator's Lived Experiences with a Culturally Adapted Parent-Directed Training Program.
Latine parents can become powerful coaches for other autism families when programs are built around their culture and strengths.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Researchers talked with eight Latine parents who had become leaders in a parent-training program.
The program taught them to coach other autism families in their own homes.
They also spoke with the program coordinator to learn what worked and what felt hard.
What they found
Parents said the training made them feel stronger and more sure of themselves.
They built tight bonds with other families and found new purpose in helping neighbors.
They used the skills every day with their own kids and with new families they coached.
How this fits with other research
Sinai-Gavrilov et al. (2024) showed parent coaching works in China. Cavazos shows it also works when Latine parents lead the coaching.
Manohar et al. (2019) proved brief parent training cuts stress in India. Cavazos adds that longer programs can grow parent leaders, not just lower stress.
Dennison et al. (2019) told us to use culture in home ABA. Cavazos shows parents themselves can drive that cultural fit when they lead the training.
Why it matters
You can train trusted Latine parents to become coaches for other families. This builds skills and community at the same time. Ask your Latine clients if they want to become parent leaders. Give them extra training and watch them help more families than you could reach alone.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The purpose of the current study was to explore the lived experiences among parent leaders and a program coordinator who participated in a parent-directed training program to support other Latine parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. We used qualitative methods to explore 4 Latine parent leaders' and 1 program coordinator's experiences with a parent-directed training program to support other Latine parents who have children with autism spectrum disorder. We interviewed parent leaders and a program coordinator to learn about their lived experiences as leaders in a parent-directed training program. The following themes emerged from Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis data analysis: (a) personal growth, (b) leadership development, (c) sense of connection and community, (d) contributing to a larger and meaningful purpose, and (e) applying knowledge and skills to help other parents. A culturally adapted parent-directed training program has the potential to positively influence Latine parent leaders who are prepared to support parents of children with ASD. There were positive program impacts on parent leaders regarding personal growth, leadership development, connection and community, contribution to a larger purpose, and use of knowledge and skills to help other parents. We also discovered the importance of building a safe community for Latine parent leaders and other parents who have children with ASD in a parent-directed training program.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2025 · doi:10.1007/s10803-024-06270-0