Exploring Latine Parent Leaders' and a Program Coordinator's Lived Experiences with a Culturally Adapted Parent-Directed Training Program.

The purpose of the current study was to explore the lived experiences among parent leaders and a program coordinator who participated in a parent-directed training program to support other Latine parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. We used qualitative methods to explore 4 Latine parent leaders' and 1 program coordinator's experiences with a parent-directed training program to support other Latine parents who have children with autism spectrum disorder. We interviewed parent leaders and a program coordinator to learn about their lived experiences as leaders in a parent-directed training program. The following themes emerged from Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis data analysis: (a) personal growth, (b) leadership development, (c) sense of connection and community, (d) contributing to a larger and meaningful purpose, and (e) applying knowledge and skills to help other parents. A culturally adapted parent-directed training program has the potential to positively influence Latine parent leaders who are prepared to support parents of children with ASD. There were positive program impacts on parent leaders regarding personal growth, leadership development, connection and community, contribution to a larger purpose, and use of knowledge and skills to help other parents. We also discovered the importance of building a safe community for Latine parent leaders and other parents who have children with ASD in a parent-directed training program.

Brief Report: exploratory analysis of the ADOS revised algorithm: specificity and predictive value with Hispanic children referred for autism spectrum disorders.

This study compared Autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) algorithm scores of a sample of 26 children who were administered modules 1-3 of the ADOS with the scores obtained applying the revised ADOS algorithm proposed by Gotham et al. (2007). Results of this application were inconsistent, yielding slightly more accurate results for module 1. New algorithm scores on modules 2 and 3 remained consistent with the original algorithm scores. The Mann-Whitney U was applied to compare revised algorithm and clinical levels of social impairment to determine if significant differences were evident. Results of Mann-Whitney U analyses were inconsistent and demonstrated less specificity for children with milder levels of social impairment. The revised algorithm demonstrated accuracy for the more severe autistic group.

Differential diagnosis of Hispanic children referred for autism spectrum disorders: complex issues.

This study examines the decision-making process used for differential diagnosis of a sample of Hispanic children referred for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Of the sample of 28 children, 18 were diagnosed with ASDs. Of the 10 children who were not diagnosed with ASDs, 80% were found to have multiple diagnostic labels or comorbidities. Mann-Whitney U analyses determined the differences between the children with the most severe social impairment, children with less severe social impairment and the non-autistic children on several domains commonly used to assess ASDs. These analyses indicated significant differences in some characteristics of the children in the sample. Based on these results, a decision-tree for the diagnosis of children with and without ASDs with comorbid disorders was developed.

Decision making in determining eligibility of culturally and linguistically diverse learners: Reasons given by assessment personnel.

Assessment personnel from the southern borderlands area of Texas participated in analyzing one of four different hypothetical cases. Respondents were expected to defer making eligibility decisions due to language proficiency, environment, culture, or lack of data. When data were lacking, the investigators proposed that respondents would recognize the need for additional information and defer making a decision. Differences in eligibility decisions were found when the respondents analyzed cases in which a significant discrepancy existed and in cases in which language proficiency information was provided. Experience in assessment was significant in the determination that additional information was needed to reach a decision, F(2, 87) = 3.99, p < .05. A majority of the respondents (83%) made an eligibility decision using insufficient data.