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Empowering Promotoras: Enhancing Autism Awareness in Latino Communities

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR), founded in 2001, focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with autism through evidence-based research, education, and community outreach. OAR's collaboration with promotoras, trusted lay health workers, aims to bridge gaps in autism awareness within Latino communities. This initiative trains promotoras to educate families on developmental milestones and autism warning signs, ensuring culturally relevant information is disseminated effectively. The program emphasizes community engagement through health fairs and resource adaptation, fostering a supportive network for Latino families.

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Empowering Promotoras: Enhancing Autism Awareness in Latino Communities

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  1. A Promotoras Training Model Michael V. Maloney Executive Director Organization for Autism Research www.researchautism.org

  2. Organization for Autism Research • Founded in 2001 • Mission: • Research - Quality of life • Information – Evidence-based/consumer friendly • Education – State of the science/translational • One of four original CDC autism partners • Learn the Signs. Act Early. Campaign

  3. Latino Outreach – Initial Concepts • October 2006 – Board discussion • Make OAR’s resources accessible to Latinos • Translate English to Spanish • Life Journey through Autism resource guides • Web site • No $$$$ • Develop concept, raise funds, implement

  4. Learn the Signs. Act Early. • December 2006 grant opportunity • A different entry point • Developmental milestones pre-autism • Three challenges • Culture • Language • Approach

  5. OAR’s Team • KDH Research & Consulting • Kristen Holtz, PhD • Autism/LSAE program design experience • Atlanta based • Fusión mc • Ana Maria Boitel • Language and culture • Community insight/research • Dia de la Mujer Latina – Venus Ginés

  6. Initial Planning Objectives • Target young parents in Latino community • Develop a model for community support • Adapt materials to language and culture • Adapt approach to existing systems • Examine communication networks • Develop a strategy and plan of action

  7. The Plan Comes Together • Promotoras – lay health workers • Trusted community members • Established healthcare role • Speak the language • Georgia • 3rd fastest growing Latino population in the U.S. • Location of KDHRC and CDC • Dia de la Mujer Latina – Venus Ginés

  8. Empowering Promotoras • Educate on developmental milestones and warning signs of autism • Train for outreach • Provide clear, easy to use materials • Test in community-based setting

  9. Training Program • Five hour syllabus • Spanish-speaking trainer • Pre- and post- tests • Introduction of materials/tool kit • Practice outreach • Recognition

  10. Promotora Training Guide

  11. Informationfor the Facilitator • Goals and objectives • Use of promotoras in health promotion programs • Recruiting promotoras • Scheduling the training event • Preparing for the training event • Know your material • Facilitation tips

  12. Training Syllabus • Welcome/training overview • Introduction to developmental milestones • Developmental milestones and autism • Conducting outreach during a health fair (brief encounter) • Conducting outreach during clinic visits (longer encounter) • Referral information and review

  13. Supporting Tabs • Flipchart templates • Agenda and Objectives Handout/La Agenda y los Objetivos • Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet/ Hoja informativa sobre los trastornos del espectro autista • Milestone Matching Worksheet and answer key/Identificación de Indicadores • Outreach Approach Handout/Manual de cómo Atraer la Comunidad • Health Fair Scenarios Handout/ Guión con Escenas de las Ferias de Salud • Clinic Visit Scenarios Handout/Manual de Escenas sobre Visitas Clínicas • Referral Information Handout/Manual de Referencia de Información • Ethical Pledge/Manual de Compromiso de Comportamiento • Certificate of Completion

  14. Flip chart - Spanish

  15. Flip Chart English

  16. Refrigerator Magnet

  17. Community Outreach • Feria de la Familia – Cobb County, Ga. • Community health focused • 2,000 – 3,000 people • Festival atmosphere • Partnered with Dia de la Mujer Latina • 14/18 Promotoras - 500 direct contacts • Feria de la Familia – Washington, DC, Dec.

  18. Results/Conclusions • Latino community is very receptive • Training package was effective • Health fairs work for the broad message • The Promotoras model has significant potential and some limits • OAR’s program will support broader outreach

  19. Lessons Learned • Spanish translation is not enough • Information and message must be adapted to culture and the local/target Latino community • Many countries and cultures represented • Beware of stereotypes • Outreach requires a multi-faceted approach • Success through community partnerships • Need to know more

  20. Next Steps • Obtain funds for program expansion • Increase capacity of language/culturally adapted resources • Life Journey through Autism guides – Autism Speaks grant • Informational brochure • Flip charts and magnets • OAR Web site

  21. Next Steps (Cont.) • Secondary research on cultural biases, barriers, and stigma • Develop and test new resources • Expand Promotora Training program • Expand community outreach in DC and GA

  22. Fin Preguntas?

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