2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
3/15/2022 | 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM | Increasing Culturally Responsive Care for Children with Hearing Loss and Autism Spectrum Dual Diagnoses | Room 3
Increasing Culturally Responsive Care for Children with Hearing Loss and Autism Spectrum Dual Diagnoses
Recent research suggests there is a higher prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals than in the general population (McAtee, 2019), with estimates as high as 1:59 (Gallaudet University, 2014; Miren, O., 2021). Audiologists are one of the first professionals involved in the evaluation processes in a child’s life. Therefore, it is imperative that audiologists are proficient in the appropriate diagnostic, intervention and referral procedures for infants and children with hearing loss and potentially co-occurring conditions, and are active members of their care and support team.
Along with the increasing prevalence of DHH/AS, disparities in ASD diagnosis and support continue to occur along race/ethnicity and gender lines (Furfaro, H., 2017), resulting in later diagnoses of ASD in children who are DHH due to significant characteristic overlaps known as “diagnostic overshadowing” (Edwards, J.D., 2020). Consequently, it is important for audiologists to recognize the interaction between conditions and implement strategies to provide families with appropriate interventions to optimize care for children with dual diagnoses (Wiley, S., 2021).
This presentation will examine the current findings on the prevalence of hearing loss and ASD and the unique approaches to evaluation and intervention strategies, and continued challenges due to lack of standardized evaluation measures for children who are DHH/ASD (Boets, B. et al,, 2015). We will also discuss family perspectives related to gaps in care and support for children with DHH/ASD and the changing views of Autism as a “psychosocial behavioral disorder” versus cultural identity (Randall, K., 2021).
- Understand identity-first vs person-first uses of Autism Spectrum Disorder to increase cultural responsiveness in care for children with a dual diagnosis of DHH/ASD.
- Identify diagnostic considerations and intervention strategies including the use of visual technology for testing and emerging toolkits that can be used as resources.
- Examine family experiences related to gaps in healthcare services and community-based resources to support children with DHH/ASD and their families.
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Presenters/Authors
Kristina Ormond
(), Georgia State University, kormond1@student.gsu.edu;
Kristine Ormond is a licensed audiologist with eight years of experiences working with the pediatric population. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in public health at Georgia State University to work broadly with reducing disparities in care for individuals with disabilities.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Akilah Heggs
(), Georgia State University, aheggs1@gsu.edu;
I am a certified clinical audiologist with 20 years of experience in pediatric audiology and have served as the state coordinator for the Georgia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program. For the past 7 years, I have been the audiology discipline faculty for Georgia State University’s HRSA-funded Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program and the instructor for the Systems of Care course. Through my doctoral degree in Public Health, I have training in health promotion with a particular emphasis on maternal and child health, specifically related to children with special healthcare needs. I have a strong interest in capacity building within public health for maternal and child health programs, particularly addressing issues related to access and equity of health services for children with disabilities.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.