Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Capstone

Keywords

autism; culture; care management; primary care providers; survey

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Degree Level

Graduate

Advisor/Mentor

Kilmer, Michele

Committee Member

Ballentine, Hope

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between primary care providers’ perspectives and cultural connectedness on their role in pediatric autism care management. We used a descriptive, quantitative design with purposive sampling to administer two surveys to primary care providers who work in medically underserved areas. Individual cultural competency and a survey constructed using the Reason Action Approach theory were sent to 22 participating providers to note their individual cultural orientation and their beliefs, intentions, behaviors, and capabilities related to pediatric autism care management. Most providers fell within the Minimization cultural orientation insinuating that they struggle with cultural self-awareness but insist on harmonizing with diverse cultures. Providers felt their prior education assisted them in identifying autism symptoms, but they lacked confidence in evaluating or managing autism or comorbid conditions. Most acknowledged their responsibility as primary care providers to identify autism but preferred referring patients to specialists for further care. Findings suggest that primary care providers may feel unprepared to diagnose and manage pediatric autism, potentially leading to unnecessary specialist referrals which further delay the age of autism diagnosis and enrollment in therapeutic services. Increased training in autism symptomology, diagnostic assessments, and comorbid conditions could improve care access within primary settings.

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