title: Caregiving Experiences of Latino Families With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Prior research has documented caregiving difficulties in families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, Latino families may encounter unique challenges. The purpose of this study was to understand the caregiving experiences of Latino families with children with ASD, including daily activities, coping strategies, and service utilization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen Latino parents of children with ASD were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed for analysis to identify themes of experiences unique to this population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Latino families of children with ASD encounter many similar issues as non-Latino families but also unique issues that affect service utilization. Four themes were identified: dealing with the diagnosis, dealing with stigma and isolation from family and community, understanding the role of mothers in changing family routines, and utilizing services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To meet the unique needs of Latino families, services need to be provided in culturally sensitive context that address children's needs within family units.
authors.affiliation: Erna Imperatore Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor of Clinical Practice, Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: Erna Imperatore
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Blanche
authors.affiliation: Jesus Diaz, OTD, OTR/L, is Research Assistant Professor, Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; jesusdia@usc.edu.
authors.forename: Jesus
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.affiliation: Tanya Barretto, OTD, OTR/L, is Graduate Student, Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: Tanya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Barretto
authors.affiliation: Sharon A. Cermak, EdD, OTR/L, is Professor, Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, and Professor of Pediatrics, USC Keck School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Sharon A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cermak
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D057545:Social Stigma