Historically, language barriers, cultural differences, access to resources, and lack of awareness within the Hispanic and Latinx communities have led to the underdiagnosis of Hispanic and Latinx children. In the past many Hispanic children were often misdiagnosed or did not receive their autism diagnosis until later in life.
However, a recent study revealed, that for the first time, Hispanic children are receiving more autism diagnoses than Caucasian children as a result of increased awareness and improvements in screening services. This study showed that about 3% of Hispanic children have an autism diagnosis. Only about 2% of Caucasian children have an autism diagnosis.
You can read more about the results of the study here.
Access to Resources
Despite the recent increase in diagnoses among young Hispanic children, there is still a concern about their access to important early intervention resources. Earlier this year another study confirmed that in the United States, Hispanic children do not have access to as many autism support resources and services as Caucasian children.
If you have a child with autism or believe your child may have autism (or any other disability) the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has compiled a list of Hispanic/Latino Disability and Health Resources.
