Autismo: Spanish for Autism and the Experience of Latinos

Abstract

Autismo is the Spanish word for autism, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is translated to TEA (trastorno del espectro autista). Autismo is conceptualized differently for Latinos through specific cultural values and a general collectivistic culture. However, assessment and treatments that are culturally adapted for these values are lacking. Later diagnosis of autismo may impact the quality of life for Latinos. Several factors may impact the timely diagnosis and treatment of autismo, including disparities in education, information, services available, socioeconomic status, insurance, or transportation. Furthermore, stigma regarding autismo and mental health in general may impact timely diagnosis of autismo. In Latin America, issues with the diagnosis and treatment of autismo are even more pronounced. For example, parents often cannot access TEA services because they must prioritize other health care needs of their children. Systemic barriers may include a lack of access to educational opportunities, geographical barriers, and few professionals trained in the identification of autismo. Thus, more research should be conducted to extend and provide services to Latinos in Latin America. To fully understand autismo in Latino culture, one must first understand the values that are more important to the Latino community. Some of the most important values to the Latino community include familismo (the importance of the family unit), espiritismo (the importance of spirituality), respeto (informal but respectful language such as don, usted, and señora), and simpatía (having sympathy toward others). One method of integrating Latino values into autismo resources is the ecological validity framework (EVF). The EVF is made up of eight dimensions that can help achieve congruence between treatments and assessments of the Latino autismo community. Overall, a multifaceted approach should be utilized to improve resources for the Latino autismo community from policymakers to community health workers.