Challenges Faced by Latino Families in New Jersey to Access and Maintain Evidence-Based Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Despite recent statistics showing a significant increase of the Latino population in the Unites States, disadvantaging factors have limited their access to evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Latino children are most likely to be diagnosed at a later age, receive other and/or delayed diagnosis. Disadvantaging factors this community encounters include lack of awareness about ASD, treatments, available resources, fear of revealing their immigration status, language barriers, and lack of guidance on how to advocate for their children. The purpose of this study is to better understand the barriers that Latino families experience in terms of the availability of services for their children on the spectrum. We will be conducting a structured interview with 30 families that have a child with ASD. Questions in the interview are related to background, diagnosis, services, evidence-based treatments and difficulties experienced through these processes. As one of the first studies to look at the experience of Latino families in the state of New Jersey regarding ABA services for individuals with ASD, it will provide an initial understanding and important implications for other professionals to consider while working with this population.