Family adjustment across cultural groups in autistic spectrum disorders.
This pilot ethnomethodological study examined perceptions of parents/caregivers of children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders concerning actions, norms, understandings, and assumptions related to adjustment to this chronic illness. The sample included 14 caregivers (75% Hispanic of various ethnic groups). Maximum variation sampling was used to compare participants on variables that were inductively derived via constant comparative methods of analysis. The following action categories emerged: "Seeking Diagnosis," "Engaging in Routines to Control behavior," "Finding Therapies (Types of Therapies)," "Finding School Accommodations," "Educating Others," "Rising to Challenges," and "Finding the Role of Spiritual and Religious Belief."
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami.
Sandra L
SL
Lobar
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005006:Ethnicity; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology