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Ethnic Disparities in Diagnosis, Interventions and Conceptualizations of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Texas Families
by Yuria Paez
Thesis Advisor: Sandra Magaña, PhD, Secondary Thesis Advisor: Rebecca Neal-Beevers, PhD
Surveillance summaries suggest that White children are more likely to be identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to Latinx children. Previous research suggests that disparities in the access, treatment, and understanding of ASD between ethnicities may contribute to this result. An increased amount of disparities is associated with a longer and more confusing diagnostic process, less accessibility and information, and negative conceptualizations of ASD. There is, however, a lack of research directly comparing disparities in the state of Texas. Using a needs assessment survey, I analyzed the disparities in diagnostic process, interventions and services, and conceptualizations of ASD between White, U.S. born Latinx, and Latinx immigrant families of Texas. I hypothesized that overall White children have the least amount of disparities, a faster diagnostic process, more access to interventions and resources, and more positive conceptualizations of ASD, followed by U.S. born Latinx and then Latinx immigrants. Contrary to my hypothesis, results suggested that U.S. born Latinx children in Texas were the ethnicity with most differences compared to Latinx immigrant and White children. Knowledge of these differences or disparities can help health care services improve confusing diagnostic processes, provide more bilingual initiatives, and ensure that all ethnic groups in Texas have equal access to services to further the developmental outcome of their children.