Differences Between Black and White Caregivers in the Association Between Autism Diagnostic Process Satisfaction and Service Use

Black families of children with autism spectrum disorder have less access to high quality, culturally responsive care for their children.

We assessed satisfaction and service utilization among fifty (29%) Black caregivers and 124 (71%) White caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder. We also examined whether race moderated the association between satisfaction and service utilization.

We did not identify racial differences in satisfaction or service utilization. Race moderated the association between satisfaction and total service use, F(170) = 5.29, p =.02, therapy service use, F(163) = 3.59, p =.046, and community service use, F(169) = 4.76, p =.046. For Black families, there was a positive association between satisfaction and service use. There was no association between satisfaction and service use among White families.

Satisfaction may be particularly important among Black families, who have been mistreated by the healthcare system and frequently face discrimination. Our results suggest the importance of culturally responsive care for Black families.