Autism in the World Autism in the World: A Comparative Study in Atlanta, GA USA and Kerala, India

Background: Autism is becoming an increasingly recognized condition around the world, especially in developing nations. Along with this recognition often comes a host of assumptions, concepts and strategies that may or may not be appropriate for new cultural locations. As international recognition and efforts grow, there is a need to understand how to best collaborate with other cultures in creating facilities, awareness programs and training programs that best fit into the communities in which they are entering. 

Objectives: The present study aims to understand which cultural factors are most crucial in autism related understandings and interactions. By understanding how autism in influenced by culture, future international work can have a fuller appreciation for unique cultural contexts and create more customized practices in collaboration with professionals and parents around the world. The current presentation covers some initial cultural factors that the study is finding to be important considerations for this type of work.

Methods: This study employs a cross-cultural design that collects data in Kerala, India and Atlanta, GA USA. The PI conducted interviews with parents of children with autism and the professionals who work with them in Kerala from June 2011 to December 2011. She also observed these adults in their usual interactions with the children in a variety of contexts. In addition, demographic data was collected from each participant; behavioral profiles of the children were conducted with the parents; and historical and cultural contextual data about the region’s educational, medical and social environment was gathered. Beginning in January, 2012, the PI began collect identical data from participants in Atlanta, GA, matching subjects based on demographic and, when possible, child behavioral characteristics. All interview data was transcribed and coded thematically using grounded theory in order to reveal patterns between and within each cultural group.

Results: The PI will be presenting preliminary results of the study as data collection and analysis is ongoing.  The data from the collected behavioral profiles of the children and the demographic characteristics of the groups will be presented, however the focus will be on initial findings on similarities and differences between the two cultural groups in services desired, outcomes desired, materials available, commonly used treatment approaches, definitions of autism, and prominent causal theories. 

Conclusions: As the study is ongoing, the conclusions will be preliminary. However, one likely conclusion will focus on possible ways to adapt western style approaches to autism to a Keralan context. Kerala is unique in it’s high concentration of western medical facilities and can therefore act as a preview for developing nations that are beginning to import western medical treatments, ideas and concepts, including autism. As such, this study provides particular insight for future cross-cultural collaborations in autism related research, intervention and advocacy such that this work can proceed with efficiency and awareness.