Western Kentucky University
Analyses of Health Care Centers: Study 1: A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Lessons Learned From Comparing a Chinese and American Autism Treatment Center
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dana Bradley
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to glean a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Chinese and American culture through a comparison of two Autism Spectrum Disorder treatment facilities. This work is based on observations and interviews conducted at The Kelly Autism Program (KAP), in Bowling Green, Kentucky and The Chengdu Autism Training Center in Chengdu, China. Over a two month period, 30 participants ranging from ages 2-7 were observed and key administrative informants were interviewed. Diagnosis and treatment protocols were analyzed and additional information on prevalence and awareness were noted to better understand familial and professional views of ASD in Chinese and Western culture. Through this cross-cultural comparative study, diagnostic measures were found to be similar among the Chinese and Western culture. However, the program structure and overall knowledge of the disability, was very different. Chinese knowledge and reporting measures of autism vary significantly from those found in the West. Similarly, training and education efforts appear to be more uniform and standardized in the US as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accurate reporting of Autism Spectrum Disorders over time and from different communities can help answer the question: “Is their variability in autism spectrum disorders in different areas of the country or in different groups of people?” This study of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) lays the groundwork for future studies by highlighting the need to develop uniform reporting and training mechanisms for ASD in different areas of the world.
Analyses of Health Care Centers: Study 1: A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Lessons Learned From Comparing a Chinese and American Autism Treatment Center
The purpose of this study was to glean a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Chinese and American culture through a comparison of two Autism Spectrum Disorder treatment facilities. This work is based on observations and interviews conducted at The Kelly Autism Program (KAP), in Bowling Green, Kentucky and The Chengdu Autism Training Center in Chengdu, China. Over a two month period, 30 participants ranging from ages 2-7 were observed and key administrative informants were interviewed. Diagnosis and treatment protocols were analyzed and additional information on prevalence and awareness were noted to better understand familial and professional views of ASD in Chinese and Western culture. Through this cross-cultural comparative study, diagnostic measures were found to be similar among the Chinese and Western culture. However, the program structure and overall knowledge of the disability, was very different. Chinese knowledge and reporting measures of autism vary significantly from those found in the West. Similarly, training and education efforts appear to be more uniform and standardized in the US as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accurate reporting of Autism Spectrum Disorders over time and from different communities can help answer the question: “Is their variability in autism spectrum disorders in different areas of the country or in different groups of people?” This study of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) lays the groundwork for future studies by highlighting the need to develop uniform reporting and training mechanisms for ASD in different areas of the world.