Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, and Perspectives of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Hispanic Populations

Authors

Karla C. Vidaurri, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Ruth Crutchfield, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Jessica R. Stewart, University of Nevada, Reno

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2025

Abstract

Purpose: With an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Hispanic population, there is a crucial demand for early identification and servicing of individuals with ASD. Early childhood educators are one profession in the position to identify and provide services to individuals with ASD at an early age. The aim of this study was to explore early educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD specific to preschool Hispanic populations.

Method: A survey methodology was implemented to explore early childhood educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD. The anonymous survey consisted of 23 questions and statements that explored participant demographics, training, experience, self-perception, awareness, knowledge, and current referral process specific to ASD in Hispanic populations. A total of 52 early childhood educators from Texas, Florida, and California (predominantly Hispanic states) participated in the study.

Results: Most of the participants in this study reported that 75-100% of their student population was Hispanic. Of the early childhood educators included in this study 25% did not hold licensure or credentials; however, 58% of participants indicated that they had completed form education or training specific to ASD. Eight percent of the participants indicated that they had never met an individual diagnosed with ASD and 87% of participants had engaged with literature about ASD. The results relating to the cause of ASD were mixed and most early childhood educators rated themselves as somewhat knowledgeable about ASD.

Conclusion: Early childhood educators are in a prime position to identify and service individuals with ASD. This is especially significant when considering the Hispanic population that is already experiencing healthcare disparities. Results of this study highlight a need for formal licensure and credentialing, training, and increased knowledge related to ASD for early childhood educators. The results of this study can be used to guide future research and programs designed to improve identification and access to services for individuals with ASD at young ages.

Comments

©The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 2025 . Under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs license.

Recommended Citation

Vidaurri, K. C., Crutchfield, R., & Stewart, J. R. (2025). Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, and Perspectives of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Hispanic Populations. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 23(2), 18.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Publication Title

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice