- What is the purpose of the research?
- The ASPEN Program research study is evaluating a parent-mediated intervention to provide information and training to parents of young children with developmental delays.
- What are the names of the researchers?
- The key researchers are Dr. Sandra Vanegas (Texas State University) and Dr. Sandy Magaña (The University of Texas at Austin).
- What does participation involve?
- When you indicate your interest in participating, we will conduct a screening interview over the phone to see if you and your child meet eligibility criteria.
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, we will schedule a testing session with you. We will ask you questions about you and your child, observe and record you playing with your child. The testing session can be done across 2 days for a total of 3-4 hours.
- After these two testing sessions, you will be randomly assigned to receive the ASPEN Program in one of two ways:
- 12 program sessions with a clinician and a peer leader
- 4 check-ins with researcher across 12 weeks
- After the 12 sessions/weeks, we will schedule two testing sessions, these will involve the same activities as before. Three to four months later, we will schedule another two testing sessions.
- Families will receive a $25 gift card after completing the testing sessions.
- When are appointments scheduled?
- Testing sessions and program sessions are scheduled based on the availability of the families, researchers, clinicians, and peer leaders. We are flexible to families’ needs. We can typically accommodate appointments Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm.
- Can I stay with my child the whole time?
- Yes, you can stay with your child during the testing sessions and program sessions.
- Will I find out the results of the study?
- We can share the results of the study when it is completed. We anticipate the research study will be complete in Fall 2022.
- Where does the research take place?
- Due to social distancing recommendations, all sessions take place via videoconferencing (i.e., Zoom).
- I know other parents with young children who may be interested. Can I refer them to you?
- Feel free to share our website, flyer, or contact information with anyone you think may be interested.
- Where can I find general information about child development?
- Check out the Resources page for more information about child development. These resources are for informational purposes only.
- Who should I contact if I have more questions?
- There are many ways you can reach out to us for any questions.
- Email
- ASPEN Research Coordinator – aspentx1@gmail.com
- Dr. Sandra Vanegas – svanegas@txstate.edu
- Phone/Text Message
- Dr. Sandra Vanegas – (512) 693-9765