Anglo-Latino differences in parental concerns and service inequities for children at risk of autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

In an evaluation of Anglo and Latina mothers and their children at risk of autism, this study compared mother-reported child behavioral concerns to staff-observed symptoms of autism. Within Latina mothers, the impact of primary language (English/Spanish), mothers’ education, and child age on ratings of developmental concerns was examined. Participants were 218 mothers (Anglo = 85; Latina = 133) of children referred to a no-cost autism screening clinic. Mothers reported on behavioral concerns, autism symptomology, and services received; children were administered the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule by certified staff. Results revealed that Anglo and Latino children did not differ by autism symptoms or classification. However, Anglo mothers reported significantly more concerns than Latina mothers. Within the Latina group, analyses revealed significant interaction effects of language and child age; Spanish-speaking mothers of preschoolers endorsed fewer concerns, while Spanish-speaking mothers of school-aged children endorsed more concerns. Despite these reports, Anglo children with a classification of autism spectrum disorder were receiving significantly more services than Latino children with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting early beginnings of a service divide as well as the need for improved parent education on child development and advocacy for Latino families.

Perception, Beliefs, and Causal Attribution of Autism Early Signs in Ecuadorian General Population

“…Additionally, socio-demographic and culturally determined factors, such as the knowledge the general population possesses about developmental milestones ( Ratto et al, 2016 ), caregivers’ ability to recognize early emerging symptoms ( Mandell and Novak, 2005 ), and misconceptions about signs, symptoms, and etiology ( Rahbar et al, 2011 ) can play a role in trajectories toward identification. For instance, a study performed in the United States with mothers from a Latin-American origin reported significantly fewer developmental concerns and fewer ASD symptoms in children diagnosed with ASD in this group, compared to Anglo-American mothers, possibly due to lower ASD awareness, parental practices, or the presence of perceptions concealing the recognition of symptoms ( Blacher et al, 2019 ). Another United States study with families of Mexican heritage reported that parents expect children to show respect for their elders by not speaking to them unless they are spoken to, suggesting that in this context, a lower level of communication might not be acknowledged as concerning ( Bridges et al, 2012 ).…”

A scoping review of telehealth diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder

“…We also note that among studies included in the current review, most participants were Caucasian. Unfortunately, the lack of ethnic diversity in participant populations may be due to documented disparities in the age of initial screening/diagnosis of ASD among traditionally minoritized groups [ 2 , 59 ].…”

Exploring telehealth during COVID for assessing autism spectrum disorder in a diverse sample

“…Finally, going forward, telehealth ASD assessment may become an “equalizer,” bringing the possibility of diagnosis and early intervention to all families, regardless of socioeconomic, racial, or ethnic status. For too long, there have been disparities in access to early autism identification and in families' understanding of autism (Blacher et al, 2019 ). With such new procedures, conducted in Spanish as well as English, timely access to those living in rural and desert areas will be possible.…”

“…Notably, the lack of service providers in rural areas, who conduct early screening and diagnosis, places entire communities at risk of not having children with ASD identified as needing services (Elder et al, 2016 ; Janvier et al, 2016 ). In addition, there are pervasive ethnic disparities evident in autism‐related services in many areas of the country (Blacher et al, 2019 ; Zuckerman et al, 2014 , 2017 ). On average, children from Latinx families are diagnosed later (and/or less frequently) than children from non‐Latinx families (Baio et al, 2018 ; Maenner et al, 2020 ; Mandell et al, 2002 ; Zuckerman et al, 2013 ).…”