PERCEIVED NEGATIVE IMPACT OVER TIME IN AN AFRICAN AMERICAN AND CAUCASIAN SAMPLE

Background: Research has examined the difficulties faced by mothers caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but there has been less focus on examining such factors across diverse cultural backgrounds.

Objectives: To examine the stability and predictors of perceived negative impact over a five year period in a sample of African American and Caucasian mothers caring for a child with ASD.

Methods: Data were collected as part of the Early Diagnosis Study, a longitudinal study of children with ASD. Mothers of participants were asked to complete a number of questionnaires including the Child and Adolescent Impact Assessment interview, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II. A linear mixed model analysis was employed to examine the stability of perceived negative impact over time (as assessed by the CAIA) and to examine significant predictors of perceived negative impact over the five-year period.

Results: Data are collected on 125 children with ASD at two time points (Time 1, mean age= 9.3 years; Time 2, mean age = 14.1 years) and their families. 33 of the families are African American and 92 are Caucasian. Preliminary analyses indicate that perceived negative impact increased significantly over time, with African American mothers reporting significantly lower levels than Caucasian mothers at both times. In addition to time and racial category, child behavior problems and social support received were significant predictors of perceived negative impact.

Conclusions: The present research suggests differences in the experiences of African American and Caucasian families of children with ASD. Future research will examine the contribution of cultural variables to the perception of perceived negative impact.