Does culture play a role? A pilot study on Western services for a Chinese-Canadian family with children with Autism spectrum disorder.

PARENTS; QUALITATIVE research; STEREOTYPES; ACCULTURATION; CULTURE; AUTISM; PILOT projects; INTERVIEWING; CONTENT analysis; TRANSLATIONS; CULTURAL competence; FAMILIES; ATTITUDES toward disabilities; GOAL (Psychology); CHINESE Canadians; THEMATIC analysis; RACE; EXPERIENCE; CLIENT relations; FAMILY-centered care; RESEARCH methodology; PATIENT-professional relations; RESEARCH; MEDICAL coding; ATTITUDES toward mental illness; CONCEPTUAL structures; PSYCHOLOGICAL stress; HEALTH equity; STAKEHOLDER analysis; VIDEO recording; CULTURAL pluralism; COMMUNICATION barriers; ACTIVITIES of daily living; CHILDREN

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects one in 66 children in Canada, and its symptoms may be particularly challenging for parents from a Chinese background. Further, when working with Chinese families, Western-educated service providers may experience difficulty in applying culturally relevant and family-centered care. This study examined the experiences of one Chinese-Canadian family as they receive intervention services for their two children with ASD. This pilot, single-case design, qualitative case study included semi-structured interviews with the parents, grandparents, as well as three service providers' views. Three major themes emerged from the data in the form of tensions: (1) within the family members; (2) within the therapeutic relationships, and (3) in addressing culture in therapy. Results suggested that although the family identified key cultural differences, service providers did not sufficiently address these within the therapeutic relationship, and the need for culturally-relevant and family-centered care was not fulfilled. Chinese-Canadian parents for children with autism spectrum disorder adopt both Chinese and Western values that fit best for their circumstances. Service providers and family members can have conflicting priorities, making family-centered care, culturally-relevant care challenging. Culture plays an important role in family expectations, and should be incorporated with more intention in the rehabilitation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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