Knowledge and identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are increasing in Latin America, yet there are limited resources available to help families of children with ASD. For this study, researchers adapted and tested a parent educational program created for Latino immigrant parents of children with ASD in the United States to the needs of parents of children with ASD in Colombia. Parents were randomized into two intervention delivery modes, one led by parents and the other by students. All measures were self-reported by parents ( n = 20). Parents improved in understanding their child’s strengths and needs and frequency of using evidence-based strategies. Parents in the student-led group reported significantly lower depressive symptoms between baseline and follow-up. In focus groups, parents expressed satisfaction with the intervention and described ways they were using the information. In conclusion, this study demonstrated promising results to improve the experience of parents of children with ASD in Colombia.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify and define the support needs of bilingual speech-language pathologists working in one urban school district and to investigate the experiences of the clinicians engaged in a professional learning community (PLC) format within their public school system.
Method
Twenty-three bilingual speech-language pathologists met in a PLC over the course of 5 months, with a total of four sessions that were a mix of in person and virtual. The participants engaged in group discussions and activities alongside their peers to address self-identified areas of support and need. Additionally, initial and final focus group and exit slip data following the PLC were collected to inform the discussion topics of the PLC and gather final impressions. Constant comparative analysis was utilized to analyze focus group and exit slip data.
Results
When looking across the experiences of the clinicians in the district, the three themes that emerged from the data were systemic obstacles, professional obstacles, and supports. The three themes that emerged from the speech-language pathologists' experiences in the PLC included their positive experiences, the challenges with participation, and the positive outcomes from exposure to new techniques and earning platforms.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that bilingual clinicians benefit from a PLC model when addressing specific areas of need.
Purpose
Representation of faculty of color (FoC) in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders is limited. FoC face unique challenges within academic institutions. As FoC, we present an overview of three critical areas that directly affect our academic careers: cultural competency, imposter syndrome, and racial microaggression. Definitions, examples, and potential solutions to improve the experience of FoC are provided.
Conclusions
While this article provides a foundation for further discussion, we call upon institutions of higher learning to act now and to recognize the unique obstacles faced by FoC. By implementing solutions, the current academic climate will reflect inclusivity and support of FoC.
Family engagement has long been evidenced to contribute to successful educational outcomes. In this qualitative study, we examined the language and literacy perspectives of Latino families of young children. A total of 17 participants who each represented a Latino family from a large urban city participated in focus group interviews. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative methodology. The major themes that emerged from the conversations related to how families define literacy, what literacy looks like in their home, the messages schools give families about literacy, and literacy activities parents would like for schools to promote.
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