Acculturation, Values, and Acculturative Stress for Autistic Latino Emerging Adults and Spanish-speaking Parents Participating in the ¡Iniciando! la Adultez Program

Authors

Antonio F. Pagán, University of Texas Health at Houston
Miriam Ortiz, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Erin Bernal, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Katherine A. Loveland, University of Texas Health at Houston
Ana Esparza, University of Texas Health at Houston
Cecilia Montiel-Nava, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Ron Acierno, University of Texas Health at Houston

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2025

Abstract

Latino families with emerging adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges during the transition to adulthood, influenced by cultural values, acculturation, and systemic barriers. Acculturation and acculturative stress are particularly relevant in this population, as they navigate cultural adaptation while maintaining traditional values like familismo (family) and respeto (respect). These dynamics are further complicated by disparities in access to resources and culturally responsive interventions. This study explores the interplay of cultural values, acculturation, and acculturative stress among Latino emerging adults with ASD and their Spanish-speaking parents participating in a culturally adapted and translated intervention. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined data from 26 emerging adults (18–25 years old) and 38 of their parents, assessing cultural values, acculturation levels, acculturative stress, and outcomes. Findings revealed significant acculturative stress in both emerging adults and parents, particularly related to intercultural relations, language, and discrimination. Strong traditional cultural values, such as familismo and respeto, were prevalent and influenced family dynamics and adaptive functioning during the transition to adulthood. A divergence in acculturation levels was noted, with emerging adults displaying higher acculturation, especially in language and social relations. The findings have implications for understanding emerging adulthood and the development of culturally tailored interventions for Latino emerging adults and their parents.

Comments

https://rdcu.be/efl4Q

Recommended Citation

Pagán, A. F., Ortiz, M., Bernal, E., Loveland, K. A., Esparza, A., Montiel-Nava, C., & Acierno, R. (2025). Acculturation, Values, and Acculturative Stress for Autistic Latino Emerging Adults and Spanish-speaking Parents Participating in the¡ Iniciando! la Adultez Program. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 37(6), 1041–1072. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-025-10008-w

Publication Title

Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities

DOI

10.1007/s10882-025-10008-w