Factors that Influence Autism Knowledge in Hispanic Cultures: a Pilot Study.

Although the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rising, Hispanic children are diagnosed at a disproportionately lower rate compared to other ethnic and racial groups. Lack of ASD knowledge in the Hispanic community may contribute to this disparity. The study objective was to determine whether sociocultural and environmental factors linked to ASD diagnostic disparities were related to Hispanic parents' ASD knowledge. A 60-item survey assessing demographic information, acculturation, religiosity, social support, and ASD knowledge was administered to 64 Hispanic patients (84 % female; 76 % uninsured; 82 % Catholic) visiting a southwest clinic. Socioeconomic status (SES), social support, language of questionnaire, spiritual attribution of child diagnosis, and religious importance predicted ASD knowledge, accounting for 43 % of variance. Results contribute to understanding how sociocultural and environmental factors influence ASD knowledge within at-risk Hispanic individuals, which can be used to improve information dissemination and ultimately reduce disparity in ASD services.