While abroad I am interested in conducting my research on the different behaviors parents conceive on children’s ages 3-10 with disabilities specifically kids on the spectrum (Autism). In the United States it is a topic very well known and researched on but I know that in India it is not generally seen and if it is occurring there is not a lot of knowledge on the topic. Which I wish to be able to shed light on this issue that hits so close to home. I currently work as an (RBT)Registered Behavior Tech giving Applied Behavioral Therapy both in home and clinic based. Throughout my two years working in the field I have seen many different idealizations and beliefs on both the practice and the diagnosis itself. That is here in the United States I can only imagine abroad it will be even more of a cultural shock.
Shawler and Sullivan (2015) share how parents who’s children with high level of maladaptive behaviors tend to up causing a harsh way of dealing with treatment because of the basis that they themselves are going through a disrupted mental state. If we are able to find a proper acquisition to deal with such behaviors the parent child relationship will improve causing the progress of the child to improve along with it.
I am interested in finding out how they parents both mother and father, although I know in the Indian culture the father is not necessarily always present how they perceive such views. Are they willing to go out of their way to gain a wider knowledge on the child and their needs, or are they just not accepting of it and view it more as a cultural idealization?
In the study I would want to gather about 30-50 families and see their different perceptions on their child. Ask them if they are doing anything with them at home therapy based, are they receiving it elsewhere, do they truly know what Autism entails. This is interesting to me because I have traveled to both Cuba and Canada two completely different cultures and have received many different views on such topic. I want to be able to depict what about culture changes the way mental health is viewed even if it may be debilitating the child who is dealing with the diagnosis. In Canada the parents are both fully involved in therapies and attend focus groups in order to gain new ways to deal with certain behaviors, they purchase books and meetings because they want to do what is best for the child. While on the other hand in Cuba they are not even accepting of what Autism is they strongly believe the child is only being stubborn. They are fixed on that idealization and do not attempt to challenge their culture and find new beginnings to see things from a new light.
While abroad I want to be of utmost help and provide knowledge to those parents who either have a diagnosis already, or are doubtful of certain characteristics that may match with what ASD stands to be. I fear that parents may be scared to share honest opinions and not seek for immediate help.



Shawler, P. p., & Sullivan, M. A. (2017). Parental Stress, Discipline Strategies, and Child Behavior Problems in Families With Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Focus On Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities, 32(2), 142-151. doi:10.1177/1088357615610114