"Yes, yes, you are right": experiences of first-generation Korean immigrant parents of children and youth with developmental disabilities interacting with healthcare and education professionals.

Abstract

Parent-professional interactions are critical to providing appropriate and effective services supporting children and youth with disabilities. There are few studies exploring the experience of Asian immigrant parents of children and youth with developmental disabilities (DD), particularly long-term first-generation Korean immigrant parents, in their interaction with healthcare and education professionals. This study aims to explore experiences concerning parent-professional interactions and the use of interpreters of 14 first-generation Korean immigrant parents of children and youth with DD. One-on-one interviews were conducted with parents of children and youth with DD who identified as first-generation immigrants living in the New York metropolitan area. The data were translated and analyzed using the grounded theory method. The interviews revealed two main themes: (1) challenges of intercultural communication, including sub-themes such as lack of cultural awareness, adaptability and flexibility, and interpersonal sensitivity; and (2) language barriers, including sub-themes such as parental reluctance to use interpreter services. Cultural awareness, adaptability, and understanding emotional aspects of communication are vital for professionals to foster comfortable interactions with parents, improving healthcare and educational outcomes. The findings emphasize the urgent need for quality interpretation services, interpreter training, peer navigators, and tech education for immigrant families.