Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Care

Susan Brasher1, Jennifer L Stapel-Wax2, Lisa Muirhead1

  • 1Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Insights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social interaction and communication. Early diagnosis and equitable access to quality care are crucial for individuals with ASD, especially those from diverse backgrounds.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Public Health
  • Health Disparities

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Individuals with ASD face higher health risks, particularly those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Disparities in diagnosis, services, and care quality impact life trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the heightened health risks and mortality in individuals with ASD, especially from diverse backgrounds.
  • To underscore the impact of healthcare disparities on the developmental trajectory of individuals with ASD.
  • To emphasize the need for specialized training for healthcare providers and law enforcement to support this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on health disparities in autism spectrum disorder.
  • Analysis of factors influencing diagnosis and access to care.
  • Examination of the role of healthcare providers and law enforcement in supporting individuals with ASD.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with ASD, particularly from diverse backgrounds, experience elevated risks for certain health conditions and mortality.
  • Significant disparities exist in the timing of diagnosis, access to services, and quality of care.
  • Healthcare providers and law enforcement require enhanced preparation for effective interaction and care.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing health disparities is critical for improving outcomes for individuals with ASD.
  • Timely diagnosis and equitable access to quality care are essential for positive life trajectories.
  • Training for professionals interacting with individuals with ASD is vital for person-centered care.

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
194
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
140
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination02:55

Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Humans are very diverse and although we share many similarities, we also have many differences. The social groups we belong to help form our identities (Tajfel, 1974). These differences may be difficult for some people to reconcile, which may lead to prejudice toward people who are different. Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common against people who...
91.1K
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
179
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture01:27

Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture

Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
81
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
103