Improving Autism Services Through Cultural Competence

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting a conversation with Dr. Jaye Odom, a licensed psychologist in New Mexico, in episode #173 of our Autism Weekly podcast. Dr. Odom is on with ABS Kids Founder and President Jeff Skibitsky to share valuable insights into the importance of cultural competence when working with Hispanic and Native American families in rural areas. 

Podcast Highlight: 

In this episode, Autism Evaluation and Cultural Competence in Rural Areas, Dr. Odom explains how understanding cultural and linguistic differences can improve autism evaluations. Her expertise in applied behavior analysis and autism diagnosis offers practical solutions to break down barriers faced by Spanish-speaking families. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Cultural Competence: Incorporating cultural awareness into autism evaluations leads to better outcomes for families. 

• Rural Challenges: Dr. Odom discusses the specific challenges in rural areas and emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches. 

• Call to Action: Professionals must prioritize bilingual resources and culturally aware practices to better serve diverse communities. 

Listen to the Episode: 

Watch on Youtube: