Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

9-1-2025

Journal

Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

DOI

10.1007/s41252-024-00414-0

PMID

41907454

PMCID

PMC13029008

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

3-28-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Objectives: The transition to adulthood is a formative period of development for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as they work towards independence and managing adult responsibilities. While evidence-based interventions have been developed for young adults with ASD, they have rarely been culturally and linguistically adapted for the Latino, Spanish-speaking community. The present study provided initial feasibility and acceptability data for a therapy program for Latino young adults with ASD transitioning to adulthood and their Spanish-speaking parents.

Methods: The culturally adapted and translated intervention, called ¡Iniciando! la Adultez, is a 10-week therapy program based on an evidence-based treatment (Launching! to Adulthood). The culturally and linguistically adapted therapy program includes a weekend webinar series, Spanish parent group sessions, longer individual sessions, and more family sessions. Culturally, the Spanish-translated program integrates Latino parents and their values into the young adults' transition.

Results: ¡Iniciando! was acceptable and feasible for the all participants (n = 64), with high ratings of satisfaction and cultural fit for parents (n = 38) and young adults (n = 26).

Conclusion: This culturally and linguistically adapted intervention program provided acceptable and feasible services to an underserved community of young adults with ASD transitioning to adulthood.

Keywords

Autism in adulthood, Transition to adulthood, Parents, Latinos, Cultural and linguistic adaptation

Published Open-Access

yes

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