This talk will review the most recent statistics on disparities in diagnosis and treatment of autism across the US and in CA. A model for conceptualizing how the disparities manifest will be presented. Lastly, culturally informed intervention, Parents Taking Action, will be demonstrated as a way to reduce disparities and work with Latinx families of children with autism. 

Dr. Kristina Lopez is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University. She earned her PhD in Social Work and Developmental Psychology, Masters in Science in Psychology, and Masters of Social Work in Interpersonal Practice with Children, Youth, and Families from the University of Michigan. She received her Masters and Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from California State University Northridge. In her research, Kristina Lopez explores disparities in early diagnosis and subsequent intervention services among underserved children and families including low-income, limited-education and racial/ethnic minorities with a specialization in Latinx children with autism. She focuses on the impact of developmental disabilities and complex health needs among children on family systems across racial and ethnic groups and socioeconomic levels. Her research is grounded in a multidisciplinary framework in which she incorporates developmental psychology, social work and public health disciplines to investigate disparities, ecological and socio-cultural perspectives of family support, developmental disabilities and early intervention. Dr.Lopez integrates her personal identity as a Latina living with a developmental disability, practice experience working with Latinx children with autism and their families, as well her research skills to develop and implement culturally informed interventions that affect change for Latinx children with autism, their families, and the communities in which they thrive.

5 student attendees will win raffled copies of Dr. Lopez's choice of book, Amo A Alguien Con Autismo: Historias y Recursos para Cuidadores

This event is generously funded via student Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fees.

The University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Disability Accommodations and Support Services at (805) 437-3331 or accommodations@csuci.edu as soon as possible, but no later than 7 business days prior to the event.