Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, and Perspectives of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Hispanic Populations

Purpose: With an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Hispanic population, there is a crucial demand for early identification and servicing of individuals with ASD. Early childhood educators are one profession in the position to identify and provide services to individuals with ASD at an early age. The aim of this study was to explore early educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD specific to preschool Hispanic populations. Method: A survey methodology was implemented to explore early childhood educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD. The anonymous survey consisted of 23 questions and statements that explored participant demographics, training, experience, self-perception, awareness, knowledge, and current referral process specific to ASD in Hispanic populations. A total of 52 early childhood educators from Texas, Florida, and California (predominantly Hispanic states) participated in the study. Results: Most of the participants in this study reported that 75-100% of their student population was Hispanic. Of the early childhood educators included in this study 25% did not hold licensure or credentials; however, 58% of participants indicated that they had completed form education or training specific to ASD. Eight percent of the participants indicated that they had never met an individual diagnosed with ASD and 87% of participants had engaged with literature about ASD. The results relating to the cause of ASD were mixed and most early childhood educators rated themselves as somewhat knowledgeable about ASD. Conclusion: Early childhood educators are in a prime position to identify and service individuals with ASD. This is especially significant when considering the Hispanic population that is already experiencing healthcare disparities. Results of this study highlight a need for formal licensure and credentialing, training, and increased knowledge related to ASD for early childhood educators. The results of this study can be used to guide future research and programs designed to improve identification and access to services for individuals with ASD at young ages

Parental Awareness of Early Intervention for Hispanic Children with Communication Disorders

Purpose: Children at risk of delayed speech and language development and speech-language disorders come from a broad range of demographic backgrounds, including ethnicities, sexes, and socioeconomic statuses. A vast body of research in speech-language pathology has demonstrated that early intervention is crucial for helping children acquire the necessary communication skills they need to become effective communicators, successful students, and ultimately accomplished adults. Currently, commercials, billboards, online sources, and personal referrals are the methods most often used to promote awareness of early childhood intervention services. Method: This study aimed to identify whether the current promotional methods used to increase parental awareness of early childhood speech therapy intervention are effective in the Hispanic population in South Texas. A total of 299 parents and guardians recruited from 18 Head Start programs took part in the survey study. The 18-item Early Intervention Parental Awareness Questionnaire was utilized to assess the participants’ level of awareness. Results: The results of this study suggest face-to-face interaction is needed to increase awareness of services for early childhood intervention amongst the Hispanic population. Conclusion: These findings support the need for increasing recognition of the value of early intervention for children with communication disorders amongst the Hispanic population

Embodiment in Early Development: Exploring the Relationships between Sensorimotor Skills, Gesture, and Language

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between sensorimotor abilities, gesture, and language in prelinguistic typically developing children from an embodied cognition perspective. Method: Participants included a total of 54 typically developing infants and toddlers between the ages of 9 months and 15 months. All participants were administered the Mullen’s Scale of Early Learning (MSEL) and two gesture samples were obtained and coded. The MSEL was used to analyze sensorimotor and language abilities which were explored in relation to gesture. Results: Results established that sensorimotor skills are related to gesture and expressive language, but not receptive language. Visual reception was most highly related to gesture whereas gross motor skills were most highly related to expressive language. Conclusion: This study supports an embodied development perspective with sensorimotor skills relating to gesture and language development. We emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in treatment and assessment of children, considering the entire developmental profile

Assessment and Diagnostic Practices Relating to Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States and Mexico

Purpose: The present study examined and compared professional assessment and diagnostic practices relating to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Mexico and the United States (U.S.). This information is of great importance because there is an extremely limited amount of information pertaining the assessment and diagnostic practices for ASD in Mexico and little is known about how these practices compare to those in the U.S. Methods: Archival data from a survey investigating ASD in the U.S. and Mexico was used for this study. Participants included 29 professionals from the U.S. and 7 professionals from Mexico. Professionals were from a variety of different occupations, but all reported to be involved in the diagnosis of ASD. Results: In both Mexico and the U.S., most professionals reported use of similar ASD related assessment and diagnostic practices, and ASD related assessment and diagnostic practices were frequently in alignment with current best practices recommendations. However, there were professionals from both Mexico and the U.S. that reported use of diagnostic tools and practices that did not adhere to recommendations, such as, use of outdated versions of the DSM, diagnosis of ASD individually, and evaluation of individuals in one setting. Conclusion: An understanding of the assessment and diagnostic practices currently being used in Mexico and in the U.S. provides both researchers and clinicians with a better understanding of what is being implemented by different professionals. Additionally, an understanding of the assessment and diagnostic practices for ASD in Mexico is of particular importance for professionals practicing in the U.S. as most immigrants in the U.S are from Mexico therefore it is likely professionals in the U.S. will encounter patients on their caseloads that received diagnoses of ASD in Mexico

Motivators and factors for Career Decision-Making in Speech Language Pathology Students

Career decision-making is a strenuous process that requires an individual to research and determine if the ends of the profession justify its means. Specifically, if the vocation of interest meets specific standards set by an individual. Literature review findings revealed eight subtopics that were salient: influencers/role models, demographics, perception of the profession, social belonging, personality type, curriculum approach, clinical experience and sense of urgency. To achieve an understanding of Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMD) student’s motivators and factors for career decision making, a survey was administered which consisted of 37 questions composed of inquiries regarding demographics, decision making and self-efficacy. Analysis of the data revealed a strong tendency for COMD students to be problem solvers that are not easily deterred by difficult situations which was identified as motivator for the survey participants. Overall findings revealed COMD students have a general feeling of wanting to help others and can view the situation and person holistically which leads them to the COMD field. Additionally, this investigation in minority students also identified literature correlates for the salient subtopics of influencers/role models, demographics, social belonging, personality type, curriculum approach, clinical experience and sense of urgency

Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening Practices in the United States and Mexico

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore screening practices for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Mexico and the United States (U.S.). Methods: Data from a larger study exploring the knowledge, screening, and diagnostic practices of healthcare practitioners from Mexico and the U.S. was used for the current study. The original survey was created by experts in ASD and consisted of 63 questions: 15 demographic questions, 20 questions relating to knowledge of ASD, 11 questions relating to screening practices, and 17 questions relating to diagnostic practices. All surveys were completed by professionals engaging in the screening and diagnosis of ASD. For this study, a total of thirty- five survey responses for the screening portion of the survey (30 from the U.S. and 5 from Mexico) were explored. Qualitative data and descriptive statistics were utilized. Results: Many of the responses relating to screening practices from professionals practicing in Mexico and the U.S. were consistent with best practice guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Mexican Public Health Guide. Furthermore, many similarities were found in the screening practices of professionals from both countries. Differences in screening practices reported by professionals from Mexico and the U.S. were found in the type of professional involved in the screening process and professional referrals after a failed ASD screening. Additionally, some professionals from both the U.S. and Mexico reported the use of inappropriate screening tools, and the average age reportedly screened was much higher than the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Hyman et al., 2020). Conclusion: An understanding of the screening practices currently being used in Mexico and the U.S. provides both researchers and clinicians with a better understanding of what is being implemented by different professionals. This study identified areas of strength and areas of weaknesses in the screening process for ASD in both countries. These results can now be used in future studies and programs targeting improved screening processes in Mexico in the U.S. Improved screening processes are important because of the potential to result in an earlier age of diagnosis of ASD and provision of services at a younger age. The latter of which is associated with better outcomes for children with ASD

Professional Perspectives on Bilingualism in Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The present study examined the perspectives of professionals regarding bilingualism and ASD. Methods: A total of 27 professionals participated in this study. Data was collected via an online survey. The survey was designed based on a literature review and consultation with a team of experts in the field of ASD. Information relating to demographic information, professional practice information, and perspectives of bilingualism and ASD was collected. Results: Professionals participating in the present study were most likely to agree with the statement, “A child with ASD from a bilingual household is able to understand both languages” and least likely to agree with the statement, “There are enough bilingual service providers and resources.” Responses to 5 of the 8 statements related to professional perspectives on bilingualism in children with ASD were near the scale midpoint indicating the participants did not strongly agree nor disagree with the perceptions. When asked what language parents should speak to their children with ASD from a bilingual household, 44% of participants recommended a bilingual approach, and 30% indicated a monolingual approach. Participants reported professional experience and the ability to communicate with caregivers/others in the environment/parent language use as influences for these recommendations. Furthermore, sex, level of education, and bilingual caseload were found to be significantly related to perspectives on bilingualism and ASD. Conclusion: The results of this study support previous literature which has identified a disconnect between research and clinical practice regarding bilingualism and ASD. Furthermore, the relationship between specific demographic and professional variables found in this study can now be used by future research studies and programs targeting bilingualism and ASD. These findings are of particular importance when considering that research has supported bilingualism in children with ASD, yet many professionals continue to implement a monolingual approach. A better understanding of professional perspectives of bilingualism in ASD provides insight into the discrepancy between research and clinical practice and paves the way for future studies and programs targeting improved services for bilingual children with ASD

Professional Perspectives on Bilingualism in Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The present study examined the perspectives of professionals regarding bilingualism and ASD. Methods: A total of 27 professionals participated in this study. Data was collected via an online survey. The survey was designed based on a literature review and consultation with a team of experts in the field of ASD. Information relating to demographic information, professional practice information, and perspectives of bilingualism and ASD was collected. Results: Professionals participating in the present study were most likely to agree with the statement, “A child with ASD from a bilingual household is able to understand both languages” and least likely to agree with the statement, “There are enough bilingual service providers and resources.” Responses to 5 of the 8 statements related to professional perspectives on bilingualism in children with ASD were near the scale midpoint indicating the participants did not strongly agree nor disagree with the perceptions. When asked what language parents should speak to their children with ASD from a bilingual household, 44% of participants recommended a bilingual approach, and 30% indicated a monolingual approach. Participants reported professional experience and the ability to communicate with caregivers/others in the environment/parent language use as influences for these recommendations. Furthermore, sex, level of education, and bilingual caseload were found to be significantly related to perspectives on bilingualism and ASD. Conclusion: The results of this study support previous literature which has identified a disconnect between research and clinical practice regarding bilingualism and ASD. Furthermore, the relationship between specific demographic and professional variables found in this study can now be used by future research studies and programs targeting bilingualism and ASD. These findings are of particular importance when considering that research has supported bilingualism in children with ASD, yet many professionals continue to implement a monolingual approach. A better understanding of professional perspectives of bilingualism in ASD provides insight into the discrepancy between research and clinical practice and paves the way for future studies and programs targeting improved services for bilingual children with ASD

The Perceptions of Stereotypes of People Who Stutter in Hispanic University Students

The purpose of this study was to obtain data regarding how stutterers are perceived in Hispanic populations in order to identify whether stereotypes exist across cultures. This investigation was completed in order to repeat and amplify previously completed research projects that have used the Bipolar Semantic Scale and have revealed correlations between the presence of stuttering and negative feelings and reactions. University students were surveyed utilizing the Bipolar Semantic Scale which provides information regarding how stutterers are perceived. When comparing the findings of this project that deals primarily with Hispanic population to the previous studies that were completed on non-Hispanic populations, it was revealed that negative perceptions regarding persons who stutter and persons who do not stutter persist across populations. Individuals surveyed decidedly viewed stutterers with lower overall personality characteristics and lower sociability characteristics

Parental Awareness of Early Intervention for Hispanic Children with Communication Disorders

Purpose: Children at risk of delayed speech and language development and speech-language disorders come from a broad range of demographic backgrounds, including ethnicities, sexes, and socioeconomic statuses. A vast body of research in speech-language pathology has demonstrated that early intervention is crucial for helping children acquire the necessary communication skills they need to become effective communicators, successful students, and ultimately accomplished adults. Currently, commercials, billboards, online sources, and personal referrals are the methods most often used to promote awareness of early childhood intervention services. Method: This study aimed to identify whether the current promotional methods used to increase parental awareness of early childhood speech therapy intervention are effective in the Hispanic population in South Texas. A total of 299 parents and guardians recruited from 18 Head Start programs took part in the survey study. The 18-item Early Intervention Parental Awareness Questionnaire was utilized to assess the participants’ level of awareness. Results: The results of this study suggest face-to-face interaction is needed to increase awareness of services for early childhood intervention amongst the Hispanic population. Conclusion: These findings support the need for increasing recognition of the value of early intervention for children with communication disorders amongst the Hispanic population.</jats:p