Autism Parent Navigators (APN) is an innovative in-home or online, peer support model for parents with a young child recently diagnosed with autism. We created the six-session APN program in collaboration with stakeholders including families and professionals. To help parents adjust to the diagnosis, enhance their teamwork and coordination, and improve their skills in accessing services and advocating for their child.
Extensive work over the past ten years has generated evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and impact. After piloting the program, we conducted a NIH-funded randomized trial with almost 200 families. Families randomized to the APN program reported greater benefits compared to control families receiving traditional supportive parent mentoring. APN parents reported lower levels of depression and anxiety, greater success accessing autism services, and reduced levels of child behavior problems.
For more information
- Families interested in the Autism Parent Navigators program can contact:
Dr. Michelle Hostetler, mxh14@psu.edu - Organizations interested in offering Autism Parent Navigators in a community or state can contact Dr. Mark Feinberg, mef11@psu.edu.
Mark E. Feinberg (PI) Research Professor
Robert Hock (PI) Associate Professor, University of South Carolina
Project Focus Area(s)
Level(s) of Analysis
Autism Parent Navigators (APN) is an innovative in-home or online, peer support model for parents with a young child recently diagnosed with autism. We created the six-session APN program in collaboration with stakeholders including families and professionals. To help parents adjust to the diagnosis, enhance their teamwork and coordination, and improve their skills in accessing services and advocating for their child.
Extensive work over the past ten years has generated evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and impact. After piloting the program, we conducted a NIH-funded randomized trial with almost 200 families. Families randomized to the APN program reported greater benefits compared to control families receiving traditional supportive parent mentoring. APN parents reported lower levels of depression and anxiety, greater success accessing autism services, and reduced levels of child behavior problems.
For more information
- Families interested in the Autism Parent Navigators program can contact:
Dr. Michelle Hostetler, mxh14@psu.edu - Organizations interested in offering Autism Parent Navigators in a community or state can contact Dr. Mark Feinberg, mef11@psu.edu.
Project Focus Area(s)
Level(s) of Analysis
Project Team
- Mark E. Feinberg (PI)
Research Professor
- Robert Hock (PI)
Associate Professor, University of South Carolina
Michelle Hostetler Assistant Research Professor
Related Publications
Hock, R.M., Rovane, A.K., Feinberg, M.E., Jones, D.E., & Holbert. A.A. (2022). Journal of Child and Family Studies.
Project Team
- Mark E. Feinberg (PI)
Research Professor
- Robert Hock (PI)
Associate Professor, University of South Carolina
- Michelle Hostetler
Assistant Research Professor
Related Publications
Hock, R.M., Rovane, A.K., Feinberg, M.E., Jones, D.E., & Holbert. A.A. (2022). Journal of Child and Family Studies.
