Examining the Language and Communication Factors of a Deaf Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder from an Immigrant Korean Family

Am Ann Deaf. 2024;168(5):274-295. doi: 10.1353/aad.2024.a927614.

Abstract

Extant research on learners who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing with disabilities who come from Asian immigrant families is extremely sparse. The authors conducted an intrinsic case study of a deaf student with autism who comes from a Korean immigrant family. To acquire a comprehensive understanding of language and communication characteristics, they analyzed (a) interview data of three administrators who worked with the student and family and (b) school documents/reports issued to the parents. Themes are reported across the three components of the tri-focus framework (Siegel-Causey & Bashinski, 1997): the learner, partner, and environment. Implications for practitioners who work with these learners and their families are discussed, including (a) compiling an individualized language and communication profile that encompasses the framework; (b) utilizing culturally and linguistically responsive practices with the family; (c) practicing interprofessional collaboration; and (d) modifying physical and social environments to increase accessibility.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / ethnology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / psychology
  • Child
  • Communication
  • Communication Barriers
  • Deafness* / ethnology
  • Deafness* / psychology
  • Deafness* / rehabilitation
  • Education of Hearing Disabled
  • Emigrants and Immigrants* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Male
  • Persons With Hearing Impairments / psychology
  • Republic of Korea
  • Sign Language
  • Social Environment