Examining Factors Influencing Chinese Immigrant Families’ Access to Services ME1

Several studies have identified various barriers and facilitators that affect service access for Asian and Asian immigrant families with a child with special needs (Fong et al., 2022; Lim et al., 2020; Xu et al., 2021; Sakai et al., 2019). Barriers reported in prior literature have been observed in Chinese immigrant families with special needs in King County, Washington State, as well. According to a report published by the King County Department of Community and Human Services/ Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division (2023), 5.36% of children referred to Early Support for Infants and Toddlers between July 2021 and June 2022 exited without a completed Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Asian children (7.98%) exited ESIT services without a completed IFSP. Additionally, 7.1% of children exited before the age of three by parental choice, and the child was not typically developing. Among Asian children with a completed IFSP, 10% exited by parental choice when the child was not typically developing. To better understand these families' decisions, it is essential to consider their background, cultural values, and education and healthcare systems in their home country. The present study will examine the educational background and cultural values of Chinese immigrant families and how these factors influence their access to services and the formation of social circles. For example, it will explore the differences between the Chinese immigrant families' education system in their home country and the US education system. There are few school-based SLPs, PTs, or OTs available in their home country. The cost of seeking private therapy in their home country can be high. Additionally, fathers have struggled more with the news of the autism diagnosis and have withdrawn from the family after the diagnosis, more so than mothers. Having a deeper understanding of the neurodiverse population is also essential for Chinese immigrants. Possible ways to better serve Chinese immigrant families will also be discussed.