Mind the Gap (AIR-B3)

There has been a lack of research on the unique needs of families with autism in the African-American and Latino communities. The process of screening, evaluation and treatment for children with autism can be long and arduous, especially in these communities. This often means that the best interventions for children with autism are not reaching minority communities. For many families, the complexity of the services system leads to a long wait after the initial diagnosis before accessing intervention. This means that the children have delayed access to treatment. Mind the Gap is a study that seeks to provide immediate and culturally appropriate support for families who have just received diagnosis but have yet to receive treatment. This support will be provided in families' native languages and, through the use of phone and video sessions, can accommodate busy schedules. Mind the Gap participants will be randomized to receive one of two conditions, which are 1.Resources only (online training modules and paper or on line resource lists, but no peer coaching) 2. Peer coaching (will receive all online training access). The peer coaches will be recruited from local parent support agencies. They will not be professionals in the field of ASD, but they will be trained by the research group on how to access the online tools and how to work whith families. They will contact the participants via phone or video conference on a weekly basis and an in- person visit per month for 3 months. Peer coaches will have a monthly call with participants for an additional nine months.We hope that this study will help the African American and Latino communities receive services sooner than currently reported. We also hope that in the future, parent organizations will use these tools to help families that have recently received an ASD diagnosis will us navigate the complex system of attaining services.