Outcomes from the ASPEN intervention program: a randomized clinical trial of a culturally adapted parent-mediated intervention program in low-resource settings - Report - MDSpire

Outcomes from the ASPEN intervention program: a randomized clinical trial of a culturally adapted parent-mediated intervention program in low-resource settings

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  • Sandra B. Vanegas

  • Sandy Magaña

  • June 19, 2026

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Clinical Report: Results from the ASPEN Intervention Study

Overview

This randomized controlled trial assessed a culturally adapted parent-mediated intervention for parents and young children with autism from low-resource households. The study found improvements in parental self-efficacy and child social communication skills.

Background

Children from low-resource households often face significant barriers to autism diagnosis and treatment, including provider biases and limited access to healthcare. Parent-mediated interventions can empower parents to support their children's development effectively.

Data Highlights

The study involved 45 parent/child dyads, randomized into intervention and comparison groups. The intervention group received 12 weekly sessions, while the comparison group received materials and check-in sessions.

Key Findings

  • Parents in the intervention group showed improved self-efficacy in using evidence-based strategies.
  • Both groups improved in the use of evidence-based strategies.
  • Children in both groups improved in social communication skills.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the feasibility and accessibility of intervention formats when working with these populations.

Conclusion

The ASPEN Intervention Study highlights the role of culturally adapted parent-mediated programs to support families of children with autism in resource-limited environments.

Related Resources & Content

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, 2020 -- Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
  2. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 2024 -- Caregiver skills training for caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Effectiveness of a culturally adapted psychoeducational intervention for family caregivers of children with hematologic malignancy: a randomized controlled trial
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Implementation and evaluation of family-based interventions within the Germany-wide Children of Mentally Ill Parents-network: study protocol for three prospective, rater-blinded, cluster-randomized controlled multicenter trials
  5. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Pre–post differences in outcomes associated with participation in the Criar sin violencia © brief psychotherapy protocol in an Ecuadorian sample: An observational study
  6. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Enhancing Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiatives in Latin America via Telementoring: Outcomes from the TEACH PROA-ECHO Project
  7. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  8. Caregiver skills training for caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis - Reichow - 2024 - Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology - Wiley Online Library
  9. Treatment mechanism of the WHO caregiver skills training intervention for autism delivered in community settings - Settanni - 2024 - Autism Research - Wiley Online Library
  10. Parent-mediated social communication therapy for young children with autism (PACT): long-term follow-up of a randomised controlled trial - ScienceDirect
  11. "Telehealth Parent-Mediated Intervention for Children with Autism in Ch" by Qing Liu, Wu Ying Hsieh et al.
  12. Family Navigation to Reduce Disparities in Early Intervention Services: A Randomized Controlled Trial | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  13. Preliminary Efficacy of Telehealth Family Navigation for Early Autism Services Access - PMC
  14. A quality appraisal of cultural adaptation of caregiver-implemented interventions for young autistic children - James D. Lee, Hedda Meadan, Michelle M. Sands, Adriana Kaori Terol, Melanie R. Martin Loya, Christy D. Yoon, 2025

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