A Mixed-Method Evaluation of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Parents Taking Action among Underserved Chinese Immigrant Families of Children with Autism

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Abstract
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) represent the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the United States. Meanwhile, the prevalence of autism diagnosis is higher among AAPI children compared to children from other racial/ethnic groups. However, there remains a significant gap in culturally responsive evidence-based interventions designed with input from AAPI communities. This study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of Parents Taking Action - Chinese (PTA Chinese), a culturally adapted intervention for Chinese immigrant families of children with autism. Using a mixed-method approach, we recruited 27 Chinese immigrant families. We conducted one focus group post-intervention and collected social validity, fidelity, and attendance data. Additionally, pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments measured family empowerment, parental self-efficacy and frequency of using evidence-based strategies, challenging child behavior, social communication skills, and service utilization. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using a paired sample t-test. Findings indicate that PTA Chinese was feasible and acceptable, with significant increases in family empowerment, parental confidence, use of evidence-based strategies, and service access. Nonsignificant changes were observed in parental stress, children’s challenging behavior, and social communication skills. To our knowledge, this is the first culturally adapted intervention designed for underserved Chinese immigrant families of children with autism. PTA Chinese showed promising preliminary effects in both family and child outcomes. Despite differences in delivery mode, PTA Chinese demonstrated promising preliminary effects similar to those found in the original PTA, reinforcing its potential as a scalable and flexible intervention.
Funding Information
  • University of Illinois at Chicago Dean's Scholar Fellowship
  • The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship

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