Disparities in Services Between Latino and Non-Latino White Children with An Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background and Purpose: In this study, we investigated disparities in access to services and treatment between Latino and non-Latino white children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment of children with ASDs, yet research suggests that diagnosis is significantly delayed for Latino children as compared to white children. This project compared the timeliness of diagnosis, treatment, and services received by non Latino white and Latino children in Wisconsin, and identifies barriers that Latino families face in accessing services for their children. This research is important insofar as little research has focused on children with an ASD from ethnic minority families and evidence suggests that these children are under-served. Research questions guiding this research are: Are there disparities in treatment and services between Latino and non-Latino white children an ASD? What are the barriers that Latinos face in accessing treatment and services? Methods: The sample included 48 Latino and 59 non-Latino white family caregivers (mostly mothers) of children with an ASD who were between 3 and 21 years of age. Families were recruited through service agencies and support groups in Wisconsin and filled out or were administered a questionnaire on experiences with diagnosis, services and unmet service needs. T-test and Chi Squares were conducted initially to identify differences between groups on service and access variables. Linear and logistic regressions were conducted to control for variables that were different between groups. Results: Latino caregivers had significantly lower levels of education and income and were less likely to be married than non-Latino caregivers. The majority of the Latino caregivers were Spanish speaking immigrants. There were no differences in mean age of the children with ASD across the two groups (about 9 years old); however the non-Latino white children had significantly more behavior problems. Latino children with ASD were significantly more likely to be diagnosed later, and less likely to receive birth to three service and intensive autism therapy services. Taking into account child age and behavior problems, and caregiver marital status and level of education, the differences in age of diagnosis and whether child had received birth-to-three services were not longer significant between Latino and non-Latino children; however, Latino children were less likely to receive intensive therapy than non-Latino white children even controlling for these variables. Lack of knowledge about services was the most frequently cited reason for not receiving services by Latino parents. Conclusions and Implications: We found that Latino families with a child with an ASD are not accessing much needed supports to the same extent as non-Latino white families and lack of knowledge about service may contribute to this disparity. These findings suggest that programs that provide information about autism, its treatments and services in culturally sensitive ways are needed.