Investigating the Relation Between Family Income and Barriers for Black Caregivers of Autistic Children

Abstract

Black caregivers and families of autistic youth experience racial barriers (e.g., racial microaggressions, stigma;) and practical barriers (e.g., cost of treatment, long waitlists), when seeking treatment and diagnostic services (Lovelace et al., 2018). The current study aimed to ascertain whether family income influenced the racial and practical barriers experienced by a sample of Black caregivers of autistic youth (N = 101). Overall and item-level analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between racial and practical barriers experienced across Lower (below 39,693; n=32), Lower-Middle ($39,693-$59,540; n=28), Middle-Upper ($59,540 to$119,080; n=21), and Upper income groups ($119,080 and above; n=20). The findings revealed that there were no significant differences in severity of racial barriers and practical barriers experienced by families in these income groups. Ordinal regression analyses revealed differences in specific practical (e.g., no available transportation) and racial barriers (e.g., no community or educational resources were provided to them; they were too afraid to ask questions) between income groups. Ultimately, findings suggest that overall, Black caregivers of autistic youth are vulnerable to experiencing racial and practical barriers, and the severity of these barriers is not a function of household income. However, there may be specific barriers that families of certain incomes are more likely to experience