ERIC Number: ED649799
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 92
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3529-3162-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Experiences of Caribbean Immigrant Families Living in the United States
Caroline Roberts
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of North Texas
Compared to non-immigrant families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), immigrant families tend to experience more challenges securing an evaluation, obtaining a diagnosis, and accessing services for their child/children diagnosed with ASD. Several studies investigated the experiences of various groups of immigrant families. They found that the delays can be attributed to cultural differences in the way families interpret the meaning of ASD and their perceptions of the causes and treatment for ASD. Additionally, a lack of knowledge about ASD and fear of the stigma associated with ASD impacted immigrant parents' willingness to seek a diagnosis. However, few studies examined how Caribbean immigrants living in the United States experience a diagnosis of ASD for their child/children. This qualitative study explored Caribbean immigrant families' perceptions and experiences with ASD. A semi-structured, in-depth interview was used to collect data on families' experiences about symptoms, causes, and treatments of ASD, as well as their sources of support. The data were coded and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA. Four themes were identified and discussed: A new world, emotional and physical burden caring for a child with ASD, attitudes about ASD in native cultures, and adapting to the new situation. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Clinical Diagnosis, Outcomes of Treatment, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Immigrants, Access to Health Care, Barriers, Social Bias, Help Seeking, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Adjustment (to Environment)
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Author Affiliations: N/A