Transition to Kindergarten for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives of Korean American Families

• In Event: Engaging and Empowering Parents and Families

Abstract

Transition to kindergarten (TTK) can be a challenging process for parents with children with ASD. Specifically, there may be a mismatch between Korean-American parents and educators in their cultural beliefs towards education and disability, which can lead to further challenges. Additionally, these parents’ immigrant generation may influence their experiences. Therefore, current study investigates Korean-American parents' perceptions on successful TTK, their challenges, and the relationship between their immigrant generation and their experiences. The results indicate that all participants considered most of the readiness skills and parent support as important, but significant group differences emerged between 1st and 2nd generation immigrant parents on the challenges experienced, such that 1st generation immigrant parents reported significantly more challenges. Practical and research implications are discussed.

Author

• Sohyun An Kim, University of California - Los Angeles