Culturally Responsive Care – February 2026
ImPACT Update
Issue: February 2026
Focus: Promoting Culturally Responsive Care in Project ImPACT
Research has consistently shown that parent-mediated interventions (PMIs) like Project ImPACT are effective for fostering social communication in young autistic children. However, a recent mixed-methods study by Rudrabhatla et al. (2024) explored the barriers to caregiver engagement in historically underserved communities.
The study highlights the crucial role of “culturally responsive care” in building trust and improving outcomes for diverse families.
Research Spotlight
A Mixed-methods Examination of Culturally Responsive Adaptation to an Evidence-based Parent-mediated Intervention
Asha Rudrabhatla, Nicole Hendrix, Scott Gillespie, Kathryn Ulven, Andrew Jergel, Elizabeth Greenfield, Karen Guerra, and Katherine Pickard
Administration and Policy in Mental Health (2024)
This study investigated the barriers minoritized families face in Project ImPACT and explored the responsive strategies clinicians use to improve engagement.
134 Caregivers
6 Clinicians
Study Snapshot
What was done?
Researchers used a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative semi-structured interviews.
Participants
134 Caregivers
6 Clinicians
Child Age
13-48 months
Structural Barriers Hinder Engagement
Caregivers who perceived more barriers, often related to socioeconomic status (SES), had lower attendance. Clinicians reported challenges like transportation, childcare, and work demands as key factors.
Culturally Responsive Adaptations are Common
Clinicians actively adapt Project ImPACT to align with families’ culture and values. These adaptations address specific needs like language use, parenting beliefs, and racial discrimination.
Adaptations Improve Caregiver Engagement
Responsive care fosters rapport and trust. This increased engagement is associated with greater session attendance and higher completion rates.
Practice Notes
Delivering Culturally Responsive ImPACT
Prioritize Trust
Dedicate time to empathetic listening before training protocols.
Collaborative Goals
Ensure goals are relevant to specific cultural routines.
Bilingual Support
Encourage native language use to support bonding.
Flexible Fidelity
Keep core strategies but augment to meet family needs.
Clinician Q&A
“What should I do when a parent mentions a non-PMI concern like food insecurity?”
The Takeaway: Addressing stressors is part of care. Listen, validate, and provide referrals to build trust.
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