Autism Doula program for Black families of young children with autism
Tests an Autism Doula program for Black families after a new autism diagnosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Autism Doula Program Evaluation
Key facts
- Where
- Cincinnati, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
- Trial code
- NCT06896942
- Record updated
- 26 March 2025
- Original description
Background: Findings from a group level assessment with caregivers of Black children with autism revealed barriers to equitable care and services (e.g., a lack of cultural representation among their child's care team, caregiver stress, stigma, and uncertainty about services needed). The Autism Doula program was identified by the community to address the aforementioned barriers and provide culturally matched family navigation and social-emotional support while also acknowledging the unique experiences and values of caregivers of Black children with autism.Read full original descriptionShow less
EVALUATION OF A COMMUNITY DRIVEN, EQUITABLE INTERVENTION FOR BLACK CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Background: Findings from a group level assessment with caregivers of Black children with autism revealed barriers to equitable care and services (e.g., a lack of cultural representation among their child's care team, caregiver stress, stigma, and uncertainty about services needed). The Autism Doula program was identified by the community to address the aforementioned barriers and provide culturally matched family navigation and social-emotional support while also acknowledging the unique experiences and values of caregivers of Black children with autism.
Impact: The current project aims to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of the Autism Doula program and promote equitable care for Black children with autism and their families.
Methods: Fifty-six Black families of children 18 months to five years of age who recently received a new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from CCHMC will be recruited to the current study. Twenty-six families will be randomly assigned to either the control group (i.e., care as usual including DDBP Family Navigation) or the intervention group (i.e., Autism Doula services). Feasibility and acceptability data will be gathered, including satisfaction of both groups, how many families approached agree to be in the study, how many sessions with the doula were successfully completed, and was the intervention content delivered as intended. Additionally, preliminary effectiveness will be evaluated by examining completion of recommended next steps, caregivers' perceived stress, and self-efficacy.
Implications: Data from this project will provide evidence that the Autism Doula program is feasible, acceptable, and effective, ultimately demonstrating it as an equitable care approach for Black children with autism and their families.
Future Directions: Findings from this pilot project will highlight the need for growth of the Autism Doula program to promote culturally competent care and health equity for Black children with autism and their families.