Challenges in Recognizing and Addressing Developmental Delay Among Hispanic/Latinx Families in the United States: A Case Report
Location
CALS
Publication Date
June 2024
Start Date
1-6-2024 9:00 AM
Description
Developmental delay (DD) occurs when a child’s progression through predictable developmental stages stops, slows, or reverses. This can pose significant challenges to family systems. Despite various methods for identification, diagnosis, and treatment, Hispanic/Latinx families in the United States encounter barriers in accessing adequate care for DD. Screening tools often lack validity and reliability beyond basic translation to Spanish, leading to potential misidentification of developmental risks. This discrepancy is exacerbated by cultural and linguistic differences, impeding early access to clinical services for Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families. Research indicates that Hispanic families expressing concerns about DD experience delayed responses from healthcare providers, resulting in diagnoses up to five months later compared to their white counterparts. Furthermore, once diagnosed, available resources for Hispanic families may lack cost-effectiveness, convenience, or comprehensive explanations, compounding the challenges they face. This case report highlights these obstacles, emphasizing the need for strategies to improve access to services and mitigate disparities in care for Hispanic/Latinx families affected by DD.
Recommended Citation
Lindberg, Anne MS3; Franklin, Claire MD; and Maher, Megan MD, "Challenges in Recognizing and Addressing Developmental Delay Among Hispanic/Latinx Families in the United States: A Case Report" (2024). Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium. 8.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/psych_rd/2024/posters/8
Challenges in Recognizing and Addressing Developmental Delay Among Hispanic/Latinx Families in the United States: A Case Report
CALS
Developmental delay (DD) occurs when a child’s progression through predictable developmental stages stops, slows, or reverses. This can pose significant challenges to family systems. Despite various methods for identification, diagnosis, and treatment, Hispanic/Latinx families in the United States encounter barriers in accessing adequate care for DD. Screening tools often lack validity and reliability beyond basic translation to Spanish, leading to potential misidentification of developmental risks. This discrepancy is exacerbated by cultural and linguistic differences, impeding early access to clinical services for Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families. Research indicates that Hispanic families expressing concerns about DD experience delayed responses from healthcare providers, resulting in diagnoses up to five months later compared to their white counterparts. Furthermore, once diagnosed, available resources for Hispanic families may lack cost-effectiveness, convenience, or comprehensive explanations, compounding the challenges they face. This case report highlights these obstacles, emphasizing the need for strategies to improve access to services and mitigate disparities in care for Hispanic/Latinx families affected by DD.