The Fall 2025 Lunch & Learn series, presented by the Moritz Center for Societal Impact, kicked off with Dr. Sandy Magaña discussing her research on adapting parent training programs for Latin American families of autistic children.
Magaña shared lessons from developing “Parents Taking Action” to support and educate parents and caregivers of children with autism. As she scaled the program to Latin American communities, she utilized “promotoras” — specially trained, non-professional community members who provide basic health and social service education, outreach and advocacy within their communities.
A key to success was finding promotoras who were also parents of children with disabilities. Their shared lived experience provided credibility and connection with families.
Magaña’s recent work in Ecuador, Paraguay, Argentina and other Latin American countries, as well as Latino communities in the United States, continues to inform her research at UT Social Work and programming at the Texas Center for Disability Studies. She serves as director at TCDS and holds the Professorship in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work.
Join us next month
The conversation continues next month when Dr. Aaron Rochlen talks about finding meaning through music on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 11:30 a.m. Bring your lunch to Walter Webb Hall’s second-floor common room. Drinks and snacks will be provided.