A First Look at Applied Behavior Analysis Service Delivery to Latino American Families Raising a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Recent statistics indicate children of Latino background are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at a much later age than their non-Latino White counterparts. Once a diagnosis is made, it is critically important that families get access to evidence-based interventions, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. However, disadvantaging factors such as a lack of awareness of available services, poor health care access and health literacy, and language barriers may impact these families' ability to access and maintain ABA services. The purpose of this pilot study was to obtain preliminary information on the experiences of accessing and maintaining ABA services for a sample of Latino American families living in Massachusetts. We conducted structured interviews with 28 families that had a child with ASD aged 8 years or younger. Questions in the interview were related to the background and diagnostic experiences of the child; difficulties in accessing ABA services; and for those children receiving ABA services, parents' perceptions of the services. Results of the interviews are summarized, and implications for future research and service delivery are discussed.