Increased occurrence in autism in Cameroonian immigrants in America

Increased occurrence in autism in Cameroonian immigrants in America

Problem Statement

Autism spectrum disorder is a disease which affects the people belonging to every race, socio-economic groups and races, not only in United States but also around the globe (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2010). It has been found that 1 among 88 children in united states are infected with ASD in United States, with males have five times more possibility of being diagnosed with it than females (CDC, 2012). Within an increase in diversity in the country, there are more chances of increase in individuals with ASD. Among these individuals Cameroonian Immigrants are also a component. Though, despite being a larger part of the African immigrants in U.S, it is very seldom that the issues of Cameroonian immigrants are studied. This paper is an attempt to assess the occurrence of ASD in Cameroonian immigrants living in USA.

Significance of the study

Unfortunately, there is a lack of documented studies which may have investigated the Cameroonian culture along with ASD related issues and its occurrence. This decontextulaization of ASD undermines the relationships between disability and culture, relations of identity and culture and also fails to reflect on the impacts of cultural differences on ASD aspects (Dyches, 2004). Therefore, there is a need to understand the effect of cultural difference on occurrence of ASD, particularly among the Cameroonian immigrants.

Literature review

Cameroonian Immigrants

Though much research has been conducted on African Americans generally and particularly different ethnic minorities emigrated to US from Africa. But there is a significant lack of research on Cameroonian people living in U.S for years and are still coming to the country. However, some key factors have been stated by Readfocus Capital Intelligence with the collaboration of the American Community Survey. This survey helped shaping the understanding of Cameroonian immigrants and their issues in United States. This analysis focuses on the Cameroonian immigrants in US from the year of 2008 to 2010. According to the study, currently there are about 33, 1711 Cameroons in the country which is of 0.2% population of United States (Njila, 2012). Despite being a part of the population, less importance has been given to them when it comes to their issues.

Autism and Multiculturalism

Individuals with ASD are found in every culture and ethnicities (APA 2000). However, little attention has been paid to the ethnic breakdown of children with this disability. The investigations that have been conducted regarding ASD and ethnicity focus on the status of immigrated families as a way to recognize the national origin. These studies become doubtful when it comes documenting about the occurrence of ASD across ethnic groups, particularly Cameroons. A study conducted in India by Daley (2004), has brought exposure to the cultural influences on help-seeking behavior in parents of children with autism. Daley conducted in- depth, semi- structured interviews with 95 families of children with autism from India (Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, and New Delhi). Daley's study reported that parents first noticed something different ...