Summary
- Major: Psychology
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bethany Contreras
- Research Topic: Navigating Cultural Contexts and Language Access in Adolescent Autism Interventions:
Insights on Diverse Caregiver Perspectives
Abstract
Multilingual and culturally diverse caregivers often navigate autism service systems that do not fully align with their linguistic or cultural needs, which may influence how they understand and implement service recommendations. Although disparities in access to culturally and linguistically responsive care are well documented, little is known about how cultural context and language accessibility shape caregivers’ communication with autism service providers and their ability to apply recommended strategies at home. This study addresses this gap by examining how multilingual and culturally diverse caregivers interpret, understand, and implement recommendations provided by board certified behavior analysts, registered behavior technicians, and other clinical professionals. To investigate these questions, 30 or more caregivers of children ages 2–12 diagnosed with autism will complete an online open-ended survey available in English and Spanish. A subset of 10–15 caregivers will then participate in optional English- or Spanish-language focus groups or individual interviews to elaborate on themes identified in the survey. Using thematic analysis, the study will explore how cultural values, communication experiences, and linguistic accessibility influence caregivers’ understanding of service recommendations and their home implementation of recommended strategies. The findings aim to inform more culturally responsive clinical practices, strengthen caregiver–provider communication, and promote more equitable autism service delivery for multilingual and historically marginalized families