Mother's reaction to autism diagnosis: A qualitative analysis comparing Latino and White parents

Understanding parent reaction to diagnosis is important to support parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explored the reaction of mothers and their families to the diagnosis of ASD by comparing open-ended responses of 44 Latina mothers and 52 White mothers. While both groups expressed intense emotional reactions, White mothers reported being relieved of guilt and Latina mothers' sense of guilt was heightened after receiving the diagnosis. Contributing to the problem, Latina mothers reported limited knowledge about ASD. These findings urge service providers to deliver culturally sensitive information programs to Latino parents and communities about ASD.