Use of a Family Navigator in Families With Children Newly Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Use of a Family Navigator in Families With Children Newly Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study is to see whether or not Family Navigators, who 1 ) help families after their child is diagnosed with autism and help them get autism specific services for their child 2) help families identify barriers to obtaining these services and 3) help families problem solve to overcome these barrier, are helpful to parents of a child newly diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Child with a new confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Child is under 8 years of age
• Parent is the mother, father and/or legal guardian of the child and identifies themselves as the primary caregiver
• Primary caregiver speaks English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Somali, Vietnamese, Portuguese or Chinese

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parent or legal guardian has psychosis
• Parent or legal guardian endorses suicidal ideation
• Parent or legal guardian actively using illicit drugs
• Parent or legal guardian expected to leave area within 6 months