Comparing Indicators of Advocacy Ability and Service Access Between Latino and White Families of Transition-Aged Youth With Autism

Although access to services is critical for autistic youth, families often face challenges navigating service delivery systems. Barriers to service access are compounded among Latino families. Interventions which target advocacy ability (i.e., knowledge about services, perceived advocacy skills, and empowerment) may help families access services. By comparing advocacy ability and service access between Latino and white families, unique areas of strength and vulnerability can be identified, leveraged, and targeted in interventions. In this study, 94 parents (48 white; 46 Latino) of autistic youth completed surveys about their advocacy ability and service access. White (versus Latino) participants were significantly more knowledgeable about services, comfortable with advocacy, and empowered in the community/political system. Latino (versus white) participants reported significantly greater family empowerment.