Diné Parents Taking Action for Autism

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northern Arizona University

Disqualifiers: Non-Navajo, Child age 13+, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if the Diné Parents Taking Action Program benefits Navajo parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental concerns. The study will assess the program's usefulness and accessibility for families, its impact on boosting parents' confidence and knowledge, and its effectiveness in improving children's social communication. Parents will either begin the program immediately or after a waiting period and will learn strategies from trained advisors who are also parents. This trial suits Navajo parents or guardians with a child aged 2-12 diagnosed with ASD or a developmental disability. As an unphased trial, it offers families a unique opportunity to contribute to valuable research that could enhance support for children with developmental challenges.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on a family support program rather than medical treatments.

What prior data suggests that the Diné Parents Taking Action Program is safe for families?

Research has shown that the Diné Parents Taking Action Program is based on a proven parent education and training model. This program is specifically designed to be culturally appropriate for Navajo families, aiming to assist families with autistic children, particularly in underserved areas like the Navajo Nation.

No safety concerns have been reported with the program. As a non-invasive educational support program, it does not involve medication or medical procedures. Instead, it offers parents advice and strategies for use at home. Because it is based on an established program, strong evidence indicates that participants generally find it helpful and easy to follow. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Diné Parents Taking Action Program because it uniquely integrates culturally tailored support for Navajo families navigating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unlike typical treatments that may not consider cultural contexts, this program is delivered by Navajo Family Advisors who are themselves parents of older children with ASD, offering personal insights and cultural resonance. The program focuses on empowering parents through group sessions to learn evidence-based strategies, fostering both child development and family well-being in a culturally relevant manner. This approach aims to bridge the gap between standard autism interventions and the specific needs of the Navajo community.

What evidence suggests that the Diné Parents Taking Action Program is effective for supporting children with autism?

Research has shown that the Diné Parents Taking Action Program, based on a proven model, is specially designed for Navajo parents of children with autism. In this trial, participants in the Immediate Group will start the adapted parent training program immediately, while those in the Waitlist Control Group will begin after a waiting period. Studies have found that programs like this help parents learn effective ways to support their child's development. After joining, parents often feel more confident and knowledgeable about addressing their child's needs. The program also addresses the unique cultural needs of Navajo families, potentially increasing its effectiveness for them. Early results suggest that adapting programs to fit cultural needs can enhance participation and satisfaction, leading to better outcomes for both parents and children. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Olivia Lindly, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Principal Investigator

Northern Arizona University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Navajo parents or guardians of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental concerns. Participants should be interested in learning strategies to support their child's development and willing to attend program sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

Child received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) OR a developmental disability

Parent/guardian identifies as Navajo/Diné

I am the parent or legal guardian of a child aged 2 to 12.

Exclusion Criteria

Parent/guardian does not identify as Navajo/Diné

Child did not receive an ASD diagnosis or a developmental disability diagnosis

My parent or guardian is 17 years old or younger.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Immediate Intervention

Participants in the immediate group begin the adapted parent training program delivered by trained Navajo Family Advisors.

2 months

Sessions led by trained Navajo Family Advisors

Waitlist Control

Participants in the waitlist control group will join the program after an initial waiting period.

2 months

Sessions led by trained Navajo Family Advisors after waiting period

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in knowledge, confidence, and child development outcomes post-intervention.

2 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Diné Parents Taking Action Program

Trial Overview The Diné Parents Taking Action Program, a family support initiative, is being tested. It aims to see if the program increases parental knowledge and confidence, and aids in children's social communication improvement by comparing immediate participation against a waitlisted group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Immediate Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will begin the adapted parent training program right away. The program is delivered by trained Navajo Family Advisors who are parents of older children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents/guardians of children ages 2-12 years with ASD or related developmental concerns will take part in group sessions that focus on learning and practicing evidence-based strategies to support their child's development and family well-being.

Group II: Waitlist Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will be placed on a waitlist and will not begin the program during the initial study period. After the waiting period, they will be offered the adapted parent training program delivered by trained Navajo Family Advisors.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northern Arizona University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

36

Recruited

6,300+

Mercy Care

Collaborator

Citations

1. news.nau.edu news.nau.edu/dine-parents-autism-acceptance/

Diné Parents Taking Action: NAU research program ... A telehealth program that supports families with autistic children from underserved communities, specifically those living on and around the Navajo Nation.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10138717/

A Qualitative Study on Diné Parent Experiences Accessing ... This qualitative study on the lived experiences of Navajo (Diné) parents raising a child with autism sought to identify factors affecting access to services.

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2023.1197197/full

Adaptation of the Parents Taking Action program for Diné ... This case study demonstrates how an evidence-based, parent education and training program was adapted for Diné parents of children with autism.

4. coloradoplateauchp.org coloradoplateauchp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Dine-Parents-Taking-Action.pdf

NAU Diné Parents Taking Action Project This project illustrates how an existing evidence-based parent education and training program was adapted to be more culturally responsive for Diné parents of ...

5. patlynk.com patlynk.com/trial/NCT07176481

Support Program for Navajo Families with Autism in ... This clinical trial focuses on a family support program designed to assist Navajo parents and guardians who have children with autism ...

6. thetreetop.com thetreetop.com/aba-therapy/autism-therapy-statistics-arizona

Autism Therapy Statistics in Arizona The most recent data indicates that approximately 1 in 59 children in Arizona are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This prevalence ...