Understanding the Role of Cultural Values in ABA Service Delivery: Perspectives from Latino Families

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and learn about the cultural and language barriers that Latino families face when accessing applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We administered a survey to gather basic descriptive information regarding language and cultural barriers faced by Latino families, specifically from a sample of families living in Nevada. We then conducted follow-up interviews and focus groups to collect detailed accounts of the barriers that these families faced. We used qualitative research methods to provide a detailed analysis that captured the voices of the families who participated in this study. The information provided from the survey and focus groups provides preliminary information for practitioners to help bridge gaps and provide more effective and quality services for the Latino population. Results of the focus groups and interviews are summarized and implications for future research are discussed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42822-022-00115-0.

How Can Qualitative Methods Be Applied to Behavior Analytic Research: A Discussion and Suggestions for Implementation

“…By taking an inductive approach and avoiding a narrow focus on explicitly defined or measurable variables (Patton, 2002 ), qualitative methods may help behavior analysts to understand lived experiences of interventions, informing a move toward more acceptable and appropriate services as defined by stakeholders. A notable example of applying qualitative methods to studying social acceptability is offered by Castro-Hostetler et al ( 2022 ). Authors used qualitative data collection methods, including interviews and focus groups, to survey the experiences of Latino families accessing behavioral supports for autistic children in the United States.…”