Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Andrew Carpenter

Abstract

This study aimed to address the gap in the literature related to understanding African American mothers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the available services provided to their children diagnosed with autism living in rural communities. The theoretical framework used for this study is the racial formation theory as a lens for completing this study. The research question explored African American mothers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of autism-related services provided to their children with autism in rural communities. The research design chosen for this study is a generic qualitative design using semi-structured interviews for data collection from 10 African American mothers of autistic children who reside in rural communities across the United States. The data from the interviews, field notes, and demographic information forms were analyzed using content analysis using open and selective coding. Four themes emerged from the data analysis that provided a deeper understanding of ten African American mother’s perceptions of the autism-related services provided to their children (a) speech therapy and school are effective; (b) being black living in rural impacts the quality of care; (c) education and research; and (d) advocacy matters for children. Implications of this study could be helpful for scholar-practitioners, researchers, and other human service providers by providing new insight and knowledge about African American mothers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of available services within rural communities and if race or geography impacts their perception.

Download

Share

 
COinS