Implementation of a Culturally Appropriate Positive Behavior Support Plan With a Japanese Mother of a Child With Autism An Experimental and Qualitative Analysis

• Published in: Journal of positive behavior interventions Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 242 - 253
• Main Authors: Cheremshynski, Christy, Lucyshyn, Joseph M., Olson, Deborah L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2013; SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Asian people; Autism; Behavior disorders; Behavior Modification; Behavior Problems; Beliefs; Biculturalism; Canada; Case Studies; Child Behavior; Cultural Awareness; Cultural Influences; Cultural Relevance; Cultural values; Family Environment; Foreign Countries; Intervention; Japan; Journal Writing; Mothers; Observation; Parent Attitudes; Parenting Styles; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Positive Behavior Supports; Program Effectiveness; Program Implementation; Research Methodology; Semi Structured Interviews; Social research; Social support; Values; Young Children; Canada; Japan; positive behavior support; behavioral parent training; culturally responsive service delivery; single-subject research
• ISSN: 1098-3007; 1538-4772
• DOI: 10.1177/1098300712459904

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate a family-centered approach to positive behavior support (PBS) that was designed to be culturally responsive to families of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. A Japanese mother and a child with autism were the primary participants. Multiple research methods were used. A single-subject withdrawal design evaluated the functional relation between parent implementation of a culturally informed PBS plan and improvements in child behavior and participation in a dinner routine. Qualitative case study methods guided an understanding of the family’s culture, the mother’s perspectives on the PBS plan and outcomes, and the interventionist’s perspectives on the provision of behavior support to the family. Quantitative results documented a functional relation between implementation of the PBS plan and improvements in child behavior and participation in the dinner routine. Qualitative results provided a rich description of the parent’s and interventionist’s experience and perspective. Three themes emerged: (a) developing a rapport informed by family culture; (b) working with a cultural guide to facilitate understanding the family’s cultural values, beliefs, and parenting practices; and (c) accommodating the mother’s cross-cultural values and beliefs. Contributions to the literature and implications for behavior interventionists working with families of diverse cultural backgrounds are discussed.