Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 1-1-2010 A phenomenological examination of the influence of culture on treating and caring for Hispanic children with autism Lynette Estrada Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Special Education Administration Commons, and the Special Education and Teaching Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University COLLEGE OF EDUCATION This is to certify that the doctoral study by Lynette Estrada has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Aaron Deris, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Duane Richards, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Irmgard Gruber, University Reviewer, Education Faculty Chief Academic Officer David Clinefelter, Ph.D. Walden University 2010 ABSTRACT A Phenomenological Examination of the Influence of Culture on Treating and Caring for Hispanic Children with Autism by Lynette Estrada M.A., Nova Southeastern University, 1997 B.S., Liberty University, 1994 Doctoral Study Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Educational Leadership Walden University December 2010 ABSTRACT The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the influence culture has on the decisions Hispanic parents make to aid their children with autism. The research problems addressed are the influences culture may have on how professionals and external family members affect the choices parents make. Cultural and family systems theories formed the conceptual framework for the study. Researchers have found that cultural factors may lead to lower rates of diagnosis in Hispanic children with autism and parents’ lack of knowledge of therapies and practices used to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Five research questions guided this study. The focus of the first two questions was how culture may affect families seeking assistance; the focus of the third question pertained to how professionals play a part in therapies chosen; the fourth question focused in on the therapies families are choosing to aid their child with ASD. Finally, the focus of the last question was the involvement of external family members. Themes were highlighted, coded, and interpreted using interpretative analysis. The major themes found through triangulation included professional influences, concerns for children’s futures as adults, parental involvement, and personalismo/familismo. The outcomes of the study demonstrate the influence professionals have on the families and the choices families make to aide their children with ASD. The findings can promote positive social change by aiding to inform professionals of the pinnacle role they play in the lives of Hispanic families with children with ASD. These finding will better aide professionals by helping them to understand the Hispanic culture as it may relate to having a child with ASD and thus assist families to understand and acquire needed services. A Phenomenological Examination of the Influence of Culture on Treating and Caring for Hispanic Children with Autism by Lynette Estrada M.A., Nova Southeastern University, 1997 B.S., Liberty University, 1994 Doctoral Study Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Educational Leadership Walden University December 2010 UMI Number: 3432409 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMI 3432409 Copyright 2010 by ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346 DEDICATION This doctoral study is dedicated to my children, Lucas and Naomi, as well as my ever-so-patient husband David. The first person I dedicate this to is my son Lucas. Lucas has shown me what true unconditional love, strength, and courage is. My dream of a doctorate began to manifest while Lucas was still in chemotherapy and radiation. He was my genesis. It was during this time I realized life does not have to be so hard. How difficult we all make life to be. Here was an 8-year-old child with autism fighting for his life and telling me, “I’m alright.” To my precious daughter Naomi, who tried to help me in any way she could. She exemplified lessons even adults have yet to master. But through her young years she has learned to value family and others in need. Oftentimes she would sit and do her homework with me. If I were ill or tired, she would volunteer to type my paper. All I needed to do was tell her what to type. Once she even read an assignment so she could summarize it for me- amazing for an 8-year-old. Her empathy and compassion is truly inspirational. Finally, to my husband David, he came into an instant family, or as he puts it, “a microwave family.” He did not need to bear the burden of a child with autism and cancer. He did not have to support his wife pursing a degree a few months after treatment. This patient man learned how to cook (somewhat) and clean. He learned creative ways to entertain the children so mommy could work. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Earning my doctorate degree has been a life long dream. I would like to acknowledge those people that made it possible. Without them this would still have been just a dream. • My dissertation committee chairperson Dr, Aaron Deris. His knowledge and understanding of the subject of autism facilitated this arduous process. His sense of humor was a relief in a time of immense stress. • Dr. Duane Richards for his expertise in methodology. • Dr. Kamela Patton for leading me to the guru of Microsoft Word, Corina Velasquez. • My mother who believed I can do this no matter what. Who persisted in saying "the sky is the limit." • The administration and teachers of Royal Green Elementary for their support and encouragement. • Carlos Aballi, director of Atlantis Academy and his willingness to open his doors for me. • The willing families who participated in this study. • Dr. Michael Allesandri and all his input and reminders to focus and finish. Also for his support and willingness to open the University of Miami CARD to me. • My ex-mother-in-law Irene Martinez, for always taking the children when I needed to work. No one could ask for a better mother-in-law. • My husband, David Tobon, his belief and dedication allowed me to complete this. • Finally, my angels Lucas and Naomi. What more can I say? ii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................. vi SECTION 1: OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY .....................................................................1 Research Problem ................................................................................................................2 Problem Statement ...............................................................................................................3 Nature of the Study ..............................................................................................................5 Research Question ...............................................................................................................6 Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................................7 Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................................7 Definitions............................................................................................................................9 Assumptions .......................................................................................................................10 Scope of the Study .............................................................................................................11 Limitations and Delimitation of the Study .........................................................................11 Significance of the Study ...................................................................................................12 Implications for Social Change ..........................................................................................13 Summary ............................................................................................................................15 SECTION 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................16 Historical Overview of Autism ..........................................................................................17 Classic Autism ..............................................................................................................21