African American families and autism: A phenomenological investigation of the lived experiences of African American parents who care for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A transcendental or psychological phenomenological study was conducted to investigate African American families/parents who care for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The literature revealed a paucity of research studies addressing culturally diverse issues or studies that specifically address African American families and Autism. This research study addressed the gap in the literature regarding attention to multicultural issues as they relate to Autism. The research problem is that little is known about African American families’ appraisals of caring for or raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their support systems. While the professional literature offers some answers about appraisals of developmental disabilities for some cultures, research studies addressing familial appraisal as it pertains to autism from a cultural perspective is not available. More specifically, knowledge of African American families’ experiences in caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is limited due to the lack of research specific to autism as it relates to African American families. The study investigated what the experience is like for African American parents as they attempt to provide care for their children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, the study afforded some insights into the ecology of African American families and subsequently their perspectives on autism, early intervention, support at home and community, accessing professional services including family belief systems regarding caring for family members with disabilities and how families cope with the daily demands of caring for their children with ASD.