Mexican-American mothers' beliefs regarding disability in children

Abstract

Mexican-American mothers of children with disabilities were interviewed regarding their beliefs about the etiology and treatment of disabilities, including communication disorders. In addition, mothers were also asked about a variety of support systems used to obtain help or advice on disabilities.

The results of the study indicated that a variety of beliefs were held by the mothers. Subjects indicated familiarity and agreement with a wide variety of folk and medical beliefs with regard to the etiology and treatment of disabilities including communication disorders. Medical beliefs were seen more frequently but folk beliefs were prevalent within the belief systems of the subjects.

A variety of support systems were also identified by subjects. Medical and educational specialists such as doctors, teachers, speech therapists, and audiologists were frequently mentioned by subjects as individuals they would turn to for help or advice on disabilities. However, subjects also indicated they would turn to folk healers for information.

Several variables were identified that contributed to the belief systems held by the subjects. The longer a subject lived in the United States and the more educated a subject was were both found to contribute to a reduction in the number of folk beliefs present. In addition, as the child's age increased the number of medical beliefs were found to decrease. Sample cases further illustrated the contribution of these factors to the development of specific belief systems in the subjects.

The process of cultural competence and clinical implications were discussed with specific suggestions for speech-language pathologists and audiologists reviewed.