ASPEN Intervention Program

About Us

The ASD Screening and Parent ENgagement (ASPEN) Program is a parent-mediated intervention program, that is, parents are trained to be the primary interventionist for their child. ASPEN focuses on naturalistic, developmental, behavioral strategies. These are strategies that are easy to use in the child's natural environment and are aligned within developmental and behavioral milestones.

In the ASPEN Program...

The parent chooses goals that are important to them and their families

Training includes practice, observation, support, and problem solving

Information and strategies focus on daily routines, natural environment

The parent receives support from a professional and a peer

Principal Investigators

Sandra B. Vanegas, PhD

Dr. Sandra Vanegas is a Research Assistant Professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.

Sandy Magana, PhD, MSW

Dr. Sandy Magaña is the Professor in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.

Current Research Team