Cultural Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder

<p>Prevalence rates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggest rates continue to increase with</p><p>recent data indicating 1 in 68 children diagnosed with the disorder. Interventions may prove</p><p>beneficial for both the core symptoms of the disorder and related deficits although data indicate</p><p>that effects are stronger with early intervention (e.g. prior to four years old). Unfortunately</p><p>many children are undiagnosed until they are school age. Additionally a number of findings</p><p>indicate that in comparison to Caucasian children African American children receive an ASD</p><p>diagnosis later and less often. The current study examined the role of race/ethnicity on 119</p><p>mothers' knowledge about autism spectrum disorder interpretation of symptomology consistent</p><p>with ASD (e.g. labeling the child level of concern helpful services) attitudes towards mental</p><p>health services and trust in providers. Participants were exposed to a vignette of a child</p><p>displaying typical developmental behavior mild ASD symptomology or moderate-to-severe</p><p>ASD symptomology. Participants indicated their perception of the child's behaviors either as</p><p>indicative of normal development a medical disorder a developmental disorder an intellectual</p><p>disorder or an emotional disorder. Participants then completed measures of ASD knowledge</p><p>help seeking attitudes and provider stigma. In comparison to Caucasians African Americans</p><p>displayed less ASD knowledge were less able to identify a child with ASD symptoms as having</p><p>the disorder and held more biases toward medical clinicians. Inconsistent with previous studies</p><p>racial/ethnic differences were not found for attitudes of mental health stigma and help seeking</p><p>intentions. Implications of findings are discussed</p>