While the cultural diversity in the United States is simultaneously increasing with the rate autism is being diagnosed, it’s imperative that educators understand the role of culture. Religion and family values determine how a culture perceives etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of autism and thus determines the welfare of families.
Full Answer
How does cultural differences affect autism diagnosis?
How Cultural Differences Affect Autism Diagnoses. For very young children, diagnostic screenings are based on parental perceptions of behaviors, including their child’s tendency to establish eye contact, to form relationships with others, to reach milestones in language development, and to display certain repetitive motor and play behaviors.
Why is cultural understanding important when working with children with autism?
She’s learned that these kinds of cultural differences are why it is crucial to work closely with people from the child’s own cultural community, people who understand intimately the expectations within that community for what autism means to them.
How can I get help for my child with autism?
Find a therapist to help with autism Language barriers and cultural stigma associated with mental illness may hinder access to mental health services.
What behaviors are used to diagnose autism?
Another behavior that is used in diagnosing autism is how a child interacts and plays with an unfamiliar adult. But this, too, varies according to culture. In many communities, extending from the United States to parts of rural Kenya, children rarely play with adults.
How does culture influence autism?
Cultural factors affect the family's ability to accept the child and provide the resources necessary to promote the child's adaptation and development. Variations in coping styles of parents have tremendous effect on their ability to accept and care for their child with ASD.
Does autism exist in other cultures?
Parent support groups for autism exist in more than 100 countries. “We know that autism is diagnosable and observable across cultures,” says Mayada Elsabbagh, a researcher at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, who is leading a group within the International Society for Autism Research on cross-cultural issues.
How does social environment affect autism?
Research has found links between autism as reported by parents and neighborhood risks as well as weak social capital ties. Studies have also shown that children diagnosed with autism are more likely to have experienced adverse childhood events such as witnessing or being a victim of violence.
What is meant by the culture of autism?
Definition. Autistic culture is culture built around the ways of speaking, thinking, and acting that come naturally to autistic people, or which have been created in Autistic communities. Description. Autistic culture is the culture created by and for autistics.
Is autism more common in developed countries?
The prevalence of ASD in Europe, Asia, and the United States ranges is 1 in 40 to 1 in 500 while comparing developed countries to developing countries its notable that the incidence is lower in developing countries, an example of developing country is China which has the incidence of 1.1 in every 1,000 children.
Is autism more common in some countries?
In recent years, cases of autism have risen. The Center for Disease Control announced in 2021 that the rate of autism in the U.S. during 2018 was 1 child in 44....Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Autism Rates:Rank1CountryFranceCases per 10,00069.3Simplified Rate1 in 1449 more columns
What environmental factors influence autism?
What Environmental Factors May Be Associated With Autism?Advanced parental age at time of conception.Prenatal exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides.Maternal obesity, diabetes, or immune system disorders.Extreme prematurity or very low birth weight.More items...
Is autism caused by genetics or environment?
Autism spectrum disorder has both genetic and environmental origins. Research into the genetic origins of ASD has consistently implicated common and rare inherited variation (heritability). However, evidence shows that there are other, noninherited, genetic influences that could be associated with variation in a trait.
Can lack of social interaction cause autism?
Social deprivation alters adult behavioral patterns, neuroanatomy, and neurochemistry in ways that resemble autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These deficits include impairments in communication, social perception, and social behavior.
What do you think are some diverse ways that individuals with autism might present?
For example:the way you use language and talk might be different to most people.you may use facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures (hand and body movements) differently to most people.making and maintaining friendships might be difficult for you.More items...•
What is masking how does it affect autistic people?
Autism masking involves spotting those symptoms yourself and working desperately to hide them. It's common in people who don't have an autism diagnosis, and sometimes, masking keeps people from getting the help they need. Women are especially prone to autism masking.
What does Samefood mean?
The term “samefood” refers to the autistic tendency to eat the same food very frequently or even exclusively for days, weeks, even months at a time. Samefood can be used as a noun or a verb. For example: “Sour cream and onion chips are my samefood right now.”
Is there autism in Japan?
A recent large-scale birth cohort study in Denmark reported that the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing and that its future cumulative incidence could exceed 2.8%. In Japan, 3 recent cohort studies2-4 have consistently reported prevalence or incidence of ASD exceeding 3%.
Are there autistic children in Japan?
TOKYO -- Around one in 30 children aged 5 were found to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a study conducted in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan.
Is autism common in Africa?
Their unpublished results suggest that about 1 percent of children in Kenya have the condition, in keeping with rates elsewhere. The results are preliminary, Newton says, but they make it clear that “autism is not rare in Africa.”
What do you think are some diverse ways that individuals with autism might present?
For example:the way you use language and talk might be different to most people.you may use facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures (hand and body movements) differently to most people.making and maintaining friendships might be difficult for you.More items...•
How does culture affect autism?
Cross-cultural studies of autism have shown that culture shapes the way families, professionals, and communities understand and treat developmental disorders (Daley, 2002; Ravindran & Myers, 2012; Raghavan, Weisner, & Patel, 1999). Of the developmental disorders, interpretations and treatments of autism are particularly susceptible to the influence of culture because there is no agreed-upon cause for the disorder; diagnosing autism relies heavily on behavioral criteria, and behavioral norms vary considerably across cultures (Deweerdt, 2012; Ravindran & Myers, 2012). Additionally, the absence of any universally accepted, scientifically valid treatments, and the variety of treatments available, such as behavioral, cognitive, pharmaceutical, sensory, relational, vitamin, and diet therapies (Christon, Mackintosh, & Myers, 2010; Goin-Kochel, Mackintosh, & Myers, 2007), makes it more likely that treatment decisions will be based on local beliefs and values (Bernier, Mao, & Yen, 2010; Daley et al., 2011; Ravindran & Myers, 2012). The effect of broad social changes on autism prevalence has been demonstrated recently by the more than 300% increase in the rate of autism diagnoses in special education enrollment records during a period (2000–2010) when the proportion of children in special education remained constant and when other classifications, such as intellectual disability, declined (Polyak, Gubina, & Girirajan, 2015).
Do Koreans have autism?
Some church leaders explicitly compared autism among Koreans in Korea, Koreans in the US, and non-Koreans in the US. They suggested that Koreans in Korea are the least aware of autism as a diagnosis, a spectrum, and a condition in which one can influence outcomes through interventions. One participant remarked that Koreans and Korean-Americans were both more uncomfortable with autism and judgmental of parents of children with autism than their non- Korean counterparts. The evidence they offered for this greater bias is the degree of denial and shame associated with having a child with a disability in Korean families. A few church leaders said that in Korea, people would typically try not to make a “big deal” about a child’s developmental problem. To do so would draw attention to the child. A parent might try to ignore or deny any sort of problem and as a result, not seek any special services for the child. The church leader seemed to suggest that the parental response to potential stigma was silence, hiding, or inaction. Church leaders recognized that there were fewer organizations to support and inform people in Korea (though not one of our interviewees in the US cited any particular American advocacy or support group), and that Americans and Korean-Americans were more understanding and better able to utilize services because of the greater availability of services in the US. In other words, in a context in which there are few services for a condition, there are few incentives to diagnose that condition.
Do early childcare workers have interest in autism?
Early childcare worker: I don’t think they have any interest in general. Only parents who have a kid with autism have interest. Otherwise, they don’t seem to have any idea on how to make it better for autistic people.
What is the behavior of an autistic child?
Another behavior that is used in diagnosing autism is how a child interacts and plays with an unfamiliar adult. But this, too, varies according to culture. In many communities, extending from the United States to parts of rural Kenya, children rarely play with adults. In cultural contexts like this, children may be wary when an unfamiliar adult ...
What does autism color parents?
Parents’ perceptions of autism color the ways in which they present their children within extended networks of friends and family. These perceptions color parents’ experience upon receiving an autism diagnosis and their likelihood of moving forward with recommended services.
What is the tool used to diagnose autism?
An additional tool in diagnosing autism is language development , including the age when children first begin to say words or to speak in phrases. Here, diagnosticians are on somewhat firmer footing since major milestones in language acquisition appear to be consistent across languages and communities.
When is Autism Awareness Day?
As we mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 , we — a developmental pediatrician, developmental scientist, and anthropologist — suggest approaching these questions with a broader lens, one that acknowledges that the very definition of autism is powerfully influenced by culture.
Is there a gray area for parents and clinicians?
Thus, they left decision making to clinicians and families, creating a gray area for concerned parents and clinicians as they work to support young children. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics calls for more research in the area but also continued screening for autism, which has substantial evidence to support its use. To not screen for autism has significant consequences for early identification and intervention.
Is autism dangerous?
This can be dangerous because the constellation of behaviors that physicians, educators and policy-makers tend to describe as autism may well be seen in a different light in different parts of the world. Take eye contact as an example.
Why does cultural perspective matter?
It matters in assigning a diagnosis; it matters in how families understand their child’s behaviors and how they approach the possibility of intervention. Diagnosis matters because it opens doors to services and pathways to intervention.
What is the behavior of an autistic child?
Another behavior that is used in diagnosing autism is how a child interacts and plays with an unfamiliar adult. But this, too, varies according to culture. In many communities, extending from the United States to parts of rural Kenya, children rarely play with adults. In cultural contexts like this, children may be wary when an unfamiliar adult ...
What does autism color parents?
Parents’ perceptions of autism color the ways in which they present their children within extended networks of friends and family. These perceptions color parents’ experience upon receiving an autism diagnosis and their likelihood of moving forward with recommended services.
What is the tool used to diagnose autism?
An additional tool in diagnosing autism is language development , including the age when children first begin to say words or to speak in phrases. Here, diagnosticians are on somewhat firmer footing since major milestones in language acquisition appear to be consistent across languages and communities.
When is Autism Awareness Day?
As we mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 , we — a developmental pediatrician, developmental scientist, and anthropologist — suggest approaching these questions with a broader lens, one that acknowledges that the very definition of autism is powerfully influenced by culture.
Is there a gray area for parents and clinicians?
Thus, they left decision making to clinicians and families, creating a gray area for concerned parents and clinicians as they work to support young children. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics calls for more research in the area but also continued screening for autism, which has substantial evidence to support its use. To not screen for autism has significant consequences for early identification and intervention.
Is autism dangerous?
This can be dangerous because the constellation of behaviors that physicians, educators and policy-makers tend to describe as autism may well be seen in a different light in different parts of the world. Take eye contact as an example.
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Abstract
This article explores the impact of culture on families’ perceptions of autism diagnosis and treatment. Competencies for counselors and other professionals that address the needs of children with autism and their families are presented.
Is mental health culturally sensitive?
Western mental health services have become increasingly sensitive to cultural differences among clients. But culture specific services are still necessary since lived experience, stigma, and economic barriers to treatment can vary widely from culture to culture. For more information on culture specific services in your area, search “cultural health care or mental health care.” You can also see:
Is misdiagnosis common for women with autism?
Misdiagnosis Is All Too Common for Women with Autism
What is the FAM for autism?
The Family Adjustment Measure (FAM) was developed as a screener for both parental stress and coping , and in the current study, we validated its use for ASD-affected families. Methods With data from parents of children and adolescents with rigorously-confirmed ASD diagnoses (n = 362), we also used receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analyses to identify cut-off scores, sensitivity, and specificity for the FAM’s four subscales, which differed for parents of children versus parents of adolescents. Results For parents of children, FAM subscale cut-off scores were: Parental Distress = 16.5 (78% sensitivity, 64% specificity); Social Support = 30.5 (70% sensitivity, 52% specificity); Family-Based Support = 27.5 (73% sensitivity, 57% specificity); and Positive Coping = 24.5 (58% sensitivity, 54% specificity). For parents of adolescents, FAM subscale cut-points were: Parental Distress = 18.5 (83% sensitivity, 82% specificity); Social Support = 30.5 (73% sensitivity, 51% specificity); Family-Based Support = 28.5 (80% sensitivity, 62% specificity); and Positive Coping = 22.5 (70% sensitivity, 50% specificity). Conclusions Results support the validity of using the FAM subscales to predict clinically-significant stress within families of both children and adolescents with ASD, though the differing cut-off scores underscore the need for age-related considerations when working with ASD-affected families. Findings suggest potential clinical utility of using the FAM to identify unique risk and protective factors of families raising children and adolescents.
What is the role of social workers in the autism spectrum?
In this essay, we argue that social workers are well equipped to engage in research and practice aimed at promoting full and meaningful inclusion in society, as well as social and economic justice, for individuals on the autism spectrum. We highlight short- and long-term goals that provide the social work profession with a framework to engage in research, practice, education, and advocacy aimed at supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder is a heritable, developmental disability that is characterized by challenges with social communication and the presence of restrictive and/or repetitive patterns of behavior. Autism spectrum disorder affects development and quality of life from very early development through old age. Social workers play a number of different roles in supporting and advocating for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. This entry provides an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder throughout the lifespan. Throughout, it highlights core social work values and their implications for social work practice with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
What are the ethical principles of childcare in Yoruba culture?
Despite these justifications, this paper argues that there is a need for contextual rethinking, which would allow for: (i) prenatal genetic testing, as well as abortion of foetuses with a high risk of the autism mutation, and (ii) early clinical diagnosis and treatment of autistic children in contemporary Yoruba society.
Is autism a difficult disease?
Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD) can often be a difficult and stress ful process for families and caregivers. Though research on ASDs in Africa is burgeoning, very little is known about autism in francophone West Africa. Furthermore, no known ASD studies have explored parental experiences in particular from a cross-cultural perspective. This research used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to analyze in-depth, semi-structured interviews with seven Senegalese and seven American families to investigate parental experiences within the Senegalese community with further illustration by cross-cultural comparison. Comparative analysis of data across the two countries was undertaken to identify cultural variables previously unreported, especially those that may affect Senegalese family experience. Analysis of interviews revealed thematic differences in social and community support. Although access to effective treatment services was low among Senegalese families compared to the American families, traditional Senegalese household structures and community relations were hypothesized to serve as protective factors against the high social isolation and resulting logistical struggles reported in the U.S. sample. Further targeted research within the Senegalese environment is recommended, particularly to explore social stigma and its possible effects on families with autism, causal beliefs and treatment practices, and parental mental health and wellbeing.
Is autism a global phenomenon?
... Autism is a global phenomenon with local implications [1]. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a perva sive neurodevelopmental disorder that is often characterized by impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication, deficits in emotional and social reciprocity, and repetitive behavioral patterns [2]. ...
Can robots help autism?
Research aimed at exploring the impact and effectiveness of social robots as assistive technologies in autism diagnosis and treatment have been on the rise. However, many of such studies have been undertaken in the Western world, with a few being done in middle to low income countries. As a result, assessing the impact of cultural differences on the acceptance and effectiveness of treatment plans for children on the autism spectrum is quite difficult. Most of the existing robots being used as assistants in autism therapy are in the prototype stage and not accessible to the public; a few on the market are costly and for developing countries, deploying such robots on a large scale to aid these children is not feasible. We have developed a humanoid robot Rosye as part of an ongoing project to research into how robot interventions could be used as therapy assistants for caregivers of Ghanaian autistic children In this paper, we present results from a preliminary experiment involving the novel low cost but friendly humanoid robot, Rosye, and some autistic children in Ghana.