Autism Disparities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography of Qualitative Research

Title: Autism Disparities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography of Qualitative Research
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: 2019
Published In: Qualitative Health Research
Description:

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are evident across many

service domains including access to early assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. To better understand

the complex social and structural factors contributing to these disparities, this article offers a systematic review

of peer-reviewed qualitative research conducted from 2010 to 2016 in the United States that investigates autism

disparities experienced by marginalized communities. Based on these criteria, we identified 24 qualitative research

studies and conducted an analysis using meta-ethnography and an intersectional interpretive lens. We identified three

interdependent themes contributing to autism disparities, including familial, cultural, and structural barriers. Omissions

in the literature were also evident, including a lack of research on underserved adults with ASD and the gendered

inequities of caregiving. We discuss the implications of our findings and offer new questions that take an intersectional

approach using qualitative research to investigate autism disparities.

Ivan Allen College Contributors:
External Contributors: Garrett Bunyak
Categories:
  • Agriculture, Health, and the Environment
  • History of Technology/Engineering and Society
  • U.S. Society and Politics/Policy Perspectives
Related Links:
Related Departments:
  • School of History and Sociology