Spanish-Speaking Caregiver Training Study

This study looks at a group training program that helps caregivers teach daily living skills to children.

Conditions to Participate

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following:

• You are a Spanish-speaking or bilingual caregiver.
• You are 19 years old or older.
• Have or care for a child between the ages of 1 and 7 years old with a confirmed diagnosis, in the process of being evaluated, or have concerns related to autism.

More Details

The goal of this study is to learn whether a group training in Spanish helps parents and caregivers teach everyday skills to their children. These skills include putting on a jacket, washing hands, and other self-care skills. If you join the study, you will first meet with the researcher. The researcher will explain the study and answer your questions. If you want to join, you will sign a consent form. You will also answer a few questions about yourself and your child. Next, you and your child will take part in the study. Your child will be asked to try an everyday skill (e.g., putting on a jacket). This helps us see what your child can already do.

You will then practice teaching your child the skill of your preference. You will also attend one small group training in Spanish with other caregivers. In the training, you will learn simple ways to teach new skills. You will watch video examples, practice the steps, and get feedback from the researcher. About two weeks later, you will meet with the researcher again. We will see how things are going and ask about your experience. You will also answer a few short questions.

Most visits will be in person. Some follow-up visits may be done on Zoom. The group class will last about 60 to 90 minutes. You will be required to attend 2-4 sessions across 4 to 10 weeks in total. The risks of this study are low. You or your child may feel tired or frustrated while learning a new skill. Some people may feel shy in a group. You may take a break at any time. You may skip any question. You may stop being in the study at any time. Your choice will not change any services that you or your child receive. Because the training is in a group, other families may hear what you say. We will ask everyone to keep what is shared private. Even so, we cannot promise that everyone will do this.

You may or may not benefit from this study. You may learn new ways to help your child learn everyday skills. You may also feel more confident teaching your child at home. Your child may become more independent with practice. What we learn may help improve caregiver training for other Spanish-speaking families in the future. Participation is voluntary. You do not have to take part in this study. If you decide to participate and change your mind, that's okay. Not participating will not affect the care or services your child receives at MMI in any way.