Running head: BENCHMARK-DIVERSITY AND BIASES WITHIN THE 1
AUTISM
SPECTRUM
Benchmark- Diversity and Biases Within the Autism Spectrum
Grand Canyon University: BHS-330
Assignment Date
, DIVERSITY AND BIASES WITHIN THE AUTISM 2
SPECTRUM
Benchmark- Diversity and Biases Within the Autism Spectrum
Autism is defined as a clinical condition that includes excesses and/or deficits in social
interaction, language, and stereotypy behaviors (Tincani, Travers, & Boutot, 2009). Individuals
diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) possess characteristics and behaviors as broad
and unique as the spectrum itself. There have been drastic similarities and differences reported
between individuals on the spectrum, since the beginning of research on the disorder (Tincani,
Travers, & Boutot, 2009). The only constants within the spectrum is its heterogeneity of
characteristics and its lack of prejudice across any and every society. Although ASD has no
preference of who it affects, those who are affected can often receive a different quality of care
and possess different perceptions and ideologies of the spectrum. Race, culture, and
socioeconomic status has been proven to directly affect diagnosis, quality of care, and access to
services.
Values and beliefs determine the way an individual perceives and copes with difficult
situations they encounter- such as ASD behaviors and/or an ASD diagnosis. Familial culture has
been proven to play a significant role in how the nature of ASD is interpreted. According to
Tincani, Travers, and Boutot (2009), a study was conducted in 2007 that found that African
American mothers report lower levels of perceived negative impact related to having a child
with ASD than Caucasian mothers did. The lower perception of negative impact can be due to
African American culture causing these parents to view impairments differently. Another study
performed in 2003 supports this ideology with the finding that parents from cultures with strong
religious and spiritual beliefs (Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Columbian) have higher levels of
acceptance of the limitations of their children with ASD (Tincani, Travers, & Boutot, 2009).
Culture is shaped on not only values and beliefs, but experiences as well. Minority children on
AUTISM
SPECTRUM
Benchmark- Diversity and Biases Within the Autism Spectrum
Grand Canyon University: BHS-330
Assignment Date
, DIVERSITY AND BIASES WITHIN THE AUTISM 2
SPECTRUM
Benchmark- Diversity and Biases Within the Autism Spectrum
Autism is defined as a clinical condition that includes excesses and/or deficits in social
interaction, language, and stereotypy behaviors (Tincani, Travers, & Boutot, 2009). Individuals
diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) possess characteristics and behaviors as broad
and unique as the spectrum itself. There have been drastic similarities and differences reported
between individuals on the spectrum, since the beginning of research on the disorder (Tincani,
Travers, & Boutot, 2009). The only constants within the spectrum is its heterogeneity of
characteristics and its lack of prejudice across any and every society. Although ASD has no
preference of who it affects, those who are affected can often receive a different quality of care
and possess different perceptions and ideologies of the spectrum. Race, culture, and
socioeconomic status has been proven to directly affect diagnosis, quality of care, and access to
services.
Values and beliefs determine the way an individual perceives and copes with difficult
situations they encounter- such as ASD behaviors and/or an ASD diagnosis. Familial culture has
been proven to play a significant role in how the nature of ASD is interpreted. According to
Tincani, Travers, and Boutot (2009), a study was conducted in 2007 that found that African
American mothers report lower levels of perceived negative impact related to having a child
with ASD than Caucasian mothers did. The lower perception of negative impact can be due to
African American culture causing these parents to view impairments differently. Another study
performed in 2003 supports this ideology with the finding that parents from cultures with strong
religious and spiritual beliefs (Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Columbian) have higher levels of
acceptance of the limitations of their children with ASD (Tincani, Travers, & Boutot, 2009).
Culture is shaped on not only values and beliefs, but experiences as well. Minority children on
