For some Miami families, getting children evaluated for developmental disabilities can be complicated due to cultural stigma, uncertainty and a lack of information about available resources.
National Health Statistics data show differences in how developmental conditions are identified among Hispanic children. While Hispanic children receive learning disability designations at similar rates to their peers, clinical diagnoses for conditions such as autism, language and motor delays, and ADHD occur at lower rates.
Speech and language pathologist Astrid Villalobos said the focus of intervention extends beyond academic performance and can help children build skills they use in their daily lives.
“What do you want from your kid?” said Villalobos. “You want your kid to communicate, to have friends, to have a family at a certain point, to be able to call and schedule a doctor’s appointment. That’s what we want.”
For families navigating cultural concerns or conflicting advice, providers say access to reliable information can be an important part of that process.
