Exploration of Occupational Therapy Practice for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Dominican Republic.

Background: To better understand the current practice trends of ASD treatment globally and promote practitioner collaboration, it is important to complete studies in countries where little is known about the diagnosis and treatment of ASD through an occupational lens. The aim of this study was to gain an insight into how occupational therapists in the Dominican Republic evaluate and treat children diagnosed with ASD. Method: This qualitative descriptive study explored the perception of occupational therapists (n = 6) and caregivers of children with ASD (n = 28) through a questionnaire and focus group. Interview transcripts and questionnaire text were analyzed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was established through member checking, an audit trail, triangulation, reflexivity, and a thick description. Results: Three themes emerged: caregiver ability to access quality services, importance of caregiver involvement in the treatment process, and value of client-centered care. Conclusion: Promoting cultural humility, which focuses on continuous critical self-reflection and lifelong learning, can lead to improved outcomes for this population from initial diagnosis to the overall treatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]