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, Ph.D.
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Dr. Sandra Vanegas is a Research Assistant Professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.
Sandy Magaña, Ph.D., MSW
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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
Clinicians
Research Assistants
Ana-Paula Anaya
Clinician
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Angela Medrano
Clinician
Cristal Martinez
Clinician
Jennifer Davila Valdes
Clinician
Comfort Ajiboye
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Noah Meah
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Serline Coelho
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Wajiha Masroor
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Laura Hopp
Graduate Research Assistant
Mariana Davila
Graduated Research Assistant
Research Team Alumni
Susanne Albarran, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA-TX
Jacqueline Borrego, M.Ed., MS
Maria Fernandez, MS
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Jill Hoffman, MS
Christopher Le, MS
Yuria Paez , M.Ed.
Carlos Pavon, MSW