Fellow University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois, United States
Background: Significant disparities exist in early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for Hispanic children. CDC prevalence estimates are approximately identical for non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black children but lower for Hispanic children. The difference may be explained by differential access to diagnostic services rather than distinct population incidences. The differential access may be influenced by several Hispanic cultural factors, however little is known about the impact of traditional gender roles (machismo and marianismo) on obtaining ASD diagnostic and treatment services.
Objective: To describe Hispanic caregivers’ perspectives on and experiences with the impact of traditional gender roles on access to ASD diagnostic and treatment services. Additionally, we explored the repercussion of a child’s ASD diagnosis on marital and family dynamics.
Design/Methods: Semi-structured interviews were performed with parents of Hispanic children previously diagnosed with ASD. Fourteen parents (13 mothers and 1 father) were interviewed. Participants described their experiences with obtaining an ASD diagnosis, marital dynamics, and community perceptions of ASD. Sessions were video recorded via Zoom, transcribed, and translated to English if needed. Transcripts were coded and data were analyzed thematically.
Results: Parents described complex connections between traditional gender roles in Hispanic families and the diagnosis of a child with ASD. Mothers described lack of support from the father as a potential factor implicated in ASD diagnostic delays. Mothers reported being the primary caregivers for their children, as well as receiving little assistance or emotional support from fathers during child-related decision-making. Marital and family dynamics tend to change after the diagnosis, with mothers being overprotective and fathers improving the relationship with their children. Parents also reported low levels of ASD knowledge in the Hispanic community leading to misconceptions such as the tendency of family members’ to attribute maternal factors as causative of the child’s misbehaviors and/or diagnosis.Conclusion(s): Machismo and marianismo in Hispanic families play a role in the process of obtaining a diagnosis for a child with ASD. Providing culturally-sensitive support to Hispanic parents of children with delays may help decrease disparities with pursuing an ASD diagnosis in this community. Further studies are needed to understand what culturally-sensitive supports after an ASD diagnosis may benefit marital and family dynamics within Hispanic families. CV 2022 Balsa Guerrero.pdf
