A Pre-Experimental Evaluation of a 9-Session Training Program with Latinx Parents of Children with Autism

Abstract

The purpose of this pre-experimental study was to detect the degree of improvement associated with confidence, psychological flexibility, and mental health among Latinx parents in a parent-directed training program. Participants were 55 Latinx parents who participated in a 9-session training program. Analyses of pre-post data contrasts on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), and Parenting Tasks Checklist (PTC) did not indicate statistically significant improvements. However, analyses indicated clinically significant changes for many Latinx parents. Approximately 1 out 3 Latinx parents experienced clinically significant improvements as related to parenting confidence but not within the clinically significant range. Approximately 1 out 5 Latinx parents experienced clinically significant improvements in psychological flexibility but not within the clinically significant range. Nearly 1 out of 2 Latinx parents experienced clinically significant improvements in depressive symptoms. We provide clinical implications for counselors and related helping professionals.

Keywords:

• Hispanic serving institutions
• Latinx parents
• parent leaders
• autism spectrum disorder
• autism
• children

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in whole by a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The opinions and conclusions expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policy of the THECB.

Notes on contributors

Javier Cavazos Vela

Javier Cavazos Vela, PhD, LPC, is Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Success and Professor in the College of Education and P-16 Integration at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He has published over 85 peer-reviewed articles or book chapters as well as one textbook in teaching and learning in counselor education. Additionally, he has been involved as an evaluator, Co-Principal Investigator, or author on external grants totaling more than 18 million.

Noe Ramos

Noe Ramos, PhD, LSSP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and School Services at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where he has served as the Principal Investigator (PI) on two Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Autism Parent Training Grants (state level) and as PI on one and co-PI on two Mental Health Service Provider (MHSP) grants (federal level). Dr. Ramos has been an LSSP for 15 years.

Susana Perez

Susana Perez Kantor, MEd, is the program coordinator for an Autism Parent Training grant in the Department of Human Development and School Services at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Autism Parent Training grant is funded through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.