A qualitative interview study of Hmong families making sense of their children with autism
Author(s):
Moua, Shally
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
M.A.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Mills College, 2014.
Pages:
81
Language:
English
Abstract:
The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to examine the similarities and differences across Hmong families in their talk and understanding of the concept of autism. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two Hmong families who have a child diagnosed with autism. Several bodies of literature were used to inform the data analysis including Rogoff's discussion of sociocultural theory and cultural variations in beliefs about children and their development, research on autism including its prevalence, Hmong cultural beliefs, and research on culturally responsive practice in early childhood special education (ECSE) settings. The data were analyzed using focused coding and analytic memoing to examine similarities and differences in two Hmong families' conceptualizations of autism. The findings indicated that both Western medicine and medical beliefs and Hmong cultural beliefs and values influenced the participants' relationships, interactions, and the language they used to describe their children with autism and their conceptualizations of autism. This study made an important contribution to the literature by expanding early childhood special educators' understanding of the concept of autism among Hmong families and informing the literature on culturally responsive practice in early childhood special education settings.