1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«[T]he aim of this study was to [...] learn about the unique experiences that immigrant families live through when obtaining an ASD [autism spectrum disorder] diagnosis and how they describe and make meaning of the process of obtaining access to and use services, their relationships with professionals, their role(s) as parents, and their future expectations for their children’s development.» (p. 21)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«The following research [question] guided this inquiry: How do parents describe and make meaning of the diagnostic process and how do they experience selecting, accessing, and using services?» (p. 21)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
L’échantillon comprend huit familles immigrantes en voie d’obtention d’un diagnostic et de services pour leurs enfants ayant un TSA [trouble du spectre de l’autisme]. Les participants ont été recrutés à Montréal.

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

The author found that «immigrant parents reported a mix of positive and negative experiences related to the process of obtaining a diagnosis and services for their children with ASD. […] Although each family followed their own path to obtaining the diagnosis and services, several common themes emerged. Specifically, several of the themes were related to a family’s specific contextual and cultural foundations. Other themes related to various systemic issues that immigrant parents encounter as they try to navigate the process of obtaining a diagnosis and services in Montreal.» (p. 67) «One surprising finding of this study was that some mothers blamed themselves for their child’s diagnosis. […] Another common contextual and cultural element to consider from the present study was in relation to language barriers to service. Many of the parents reported difficulty understanding and communicating with professionals due to their or their child’s respective language barriers.» (p. 69) «Another common theme, which emerged […] reveals that these immigrant parents in Montreal seemed to lack an informal social support network. […] The systemic issues that emerged from this study’s interviews with immigrant families included long wait lists and the lack of continuity and stability between services and professionals.» (p. 70-71)