A Randomized Waitlist-Control Group Study of a Culturally Tailored Parent Education Intervention for Latino Parents of Children with ASD

This two-site randomized waitlist-control study (n = 96 mother–child dyads) examined the efficacy of a psychoeducation program as compared to usual care to empower Latina mothers and improve their confidence in and use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for their children with ASD. A secondary aim was to improve child outcomes. Compared to control group, we found significant positive changes in the treatment group in maternal confidence of and frequency in use of EBPs, child social communication and the number of EB services the child received. We found no significant differences for the treatment group in family empowerment or in child challenging behaviors. This RCT presents evidence of an efficacious intervention for Latino children with ASD and their mothers in California and Illinois.