Multicultural Issues in Autism

Abstract

The professional literature provides ample evidence that individuals with autism exhibit a myriad of unusual social, communication, and behavioral patterns of interactions that present challenges to their families and service providers. However, there is a dearth of quality works on multicultural issues regarding autistic spectrum disorders. In this article, we explore issues surrounding autism and multiculturalism, with the intent not to provide answers but to raise questions for further examination. We focus our discussions on two primary issues: autism within cultural groups and multicultural family adaptation based on the framework of pluralistic societies in which some cultural groups are a minority within the dominant culture. We found differences in prevalence rates across races for autism and little information regarding how multicultural families adapt to raising a child with autism. Further, students with multicultural backgrounds and autism are challenged on at least four dimensions: communication, social skills, behavioral repertoires, and culture. Future research in these areas is clearly warranted.

Cross Cultural Variation in the Neurodevelopmental Assessment of Children – The Cultural and Neurological to 2nd Language Acquisition and Children with Autism

“…It is important to note that cultural variables may not only impact the identification of children with ASD but also the initiation of resources to the children and their families. Of the utmost importance is that children are diagnosed appropriately (46). Testing must not only be modified or integrated differently based upon cultural diversity but the interpretation of the results must also be completed in a culturally competent.…”

“…The approach of multidisciplinary teams to the diagnosis of ASD likely strays from being culturally responsive given the demographics of team members (112). African American or Asian/Pacific Islanders are classified at approximately twice the rate as students who are American Indian/Alaskan or Hispanic (113). In addition, mis-diagnosis and delayed intervention may be the result of the patient receiving a symptom based diagnosis (developmental delay, mental retardation, speech-language impairment, emotional disorder) as opposed to a diagnosis that is more culturally relevant (114).…”

“…Additionally, maternal depression before and during the presentation of the child's autistic difficulties was found to inhibit ASD diagnosis (16). Given the increased incidence of autism on an international level (Autism Society, 2010), (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23), determining the prevalence of ASD outside of the US is problematic. There is a report from the EAIS that looks at Prevalence Data and Accessibility to Service in European Countries.…”

Reporting of Underrepresented Populations in Autism Treatment Studies Across 25 Years

“…Specifically, with respect to ASD, Dyches et al [7] proposed that cultural factors can shape (a) when and how signs of ASD are defined and interpreted; (b) how families accept ASD diagnoses; and (c) whether there is a stigma associated with disability and to what degree it affects families. Accordingly, cultural family characteristics must be considered linked to how the intervention will be implemented and received.…”

Understanding autism spectrum disorder in Hanoi, Vietnam

“…Culture also influences whether or not certain behaviours are considered problematic (Dyches, Wilder et al 2004). For example, while the absence of eye contact is listed as a 'red-flag' in ASD in some checklists such as those used in the United States, children in East Asia are not necessarily encouraged to look directly into the eyes of others (Wallis and Pinto-Martin 2008).…”