Developing Knowledge of Autism in Majority World Countries: Examples of Bolivia and Paraguay

Bolivia and Paraguay are Majority World countries, which are defined as areas within which most of the world's population live, natural resources and landmass are located, but are often economically poor. Minority world countries, such as, the United States, have a smaller percentage of the world's population, but often a greater share of the world's wealth. Many Majority World countries, such as Bolivia and Paraguay, have not collected prevalence data on autism and assessments and interventions for persons are quite limited, if they are available at all. Persons with autism in Bolivia and Paraguay are at most underserved and the majority are unserved. This article reviews topological, demographic, and economic/political factors affecting the identification and provisions of services for autistic children and the current health and educational status for autistic persons in Bolivia and Paraguay. Descriptions of the efforts of outside consultants to assist parents and professional within those countries to gain information and develop assessment and intervention programs for autistic children are described. Attention is given to methodologies employed by United States consultants to ensure the implementation of culturally responsive practices. Consultants employed skilled dialogue when interviewing parents and professionals in Bolivia and Paraguay to understand their perspectives so as to guide content of trainings. The PRECEDE-PROCEED framework was employed to develop a culturally-responsive approach to assessment and intervention.