Latino parents' perspectives on barriers to autism diagnosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Latino children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at older ages and at the point of more severe symptoms. We sought to qualitatively describe community, family, and health care system barriers to ASD diagnosis in Latino children.

Methods

Five focus groups and 4 qualitative interviews were conducted with 33 parents of Latino children previously diagnosed with an ASD. Participants described Latino community perceptions of autism and barriers they experienced during the diagnostic process. Sessions were audiorecorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded by 2 researchers, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Parents reported low levels of ASD information and high levels of mental health and disability stigma in the Latino

SUBMITTER: Zuckerman KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4006363 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature