Caregiver Autism Support Training (CAST)
Purpose of study: The purpose of the study is to see whether a new online caregiver training program for families of young children (1-4 years old) recently diagnosed with autism improves care and functioning of the child and family.
What will participants do: If you choose to participate in this study, you will complete an 11-week fully online program for caregivers of children recently diagnosed with autism. Each week you will (a) watch a 15-minute online module on a topic related to caring for a young child with autism, (b) meet for about an hour with four other caregivers of children with autism and a group facilitator each week on Zoom, (c) complete an online reflection and feedback form at the end of each group session, and (d) complete a weekly homework assignment related to the content from that week’s session. Once at the beginning of the study, once at the end of the study, and three months after the study finishes you will compete 8 short online surveys about your child’s development and your experiences caring for your child. During the surveys, you may skip any question that makes you uncomfortable.
What benefits are there for participants: Caregivers knowledge, confidence, and ability to support their child’s communication and behavior may improve. This study may add to the literature on supporting families remotely and building capacity within families to provide high-quality supports to their child.
Contact: Dr. Becky Eldridge at nmm6bz@virginia.edu
For more information, or to see if you qualify, click here: https://virginia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5q0zW97OY94YKKq