A Discussion of how Chin culture could impact the processes around ASD.

In the ten years from 2002 to 2012 New Zealand received 6980 refugees. Over 50% of these, 1713, came from Myanmar (Immigration New Zealand). Nelson, in the south island of New Zealand currently has 768 refugees of which 336 are Chin from Myanmar (Settling in Refugees in Nelson October 2012, 2012) As Chin account for over 50% of the refugee population nationally and locally this ethnic group has been selected as a focus group to consider how culture affects the processes around autism and what current good practice is being observed. Evidence from websites reflect a recent development in autism awareness in Myanmar. Myanmar is part of ASEAN( Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the ASEAN Autism Network was founded in December 2010. The Myanmar Development Association, aimed at supporting children with autism was founded in 2012 and in April 2012 the Myanmar Autism Association organised a celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, the first such celebration in Myanmar was in 2011. Performance by children with autism as part of the Myanmar Autism Associations celebrations for World Autism Awareness Day 2012.

Scarlis (2010) describes a range of cultural beliefs seen in the Chin population many of which can be recognised as potentially affecting the processes around autism : Spoken and Written Communication Amongst The Chin former refugee population n Nelson 7 languages are spoken: Burmese, Karen, Lai, Tedmin, Haka, Zophei and Mizo. Families using one dialect may not be able to understand another Chin dialect, although some speak Burmese plus their regional dialect. Funding is available to provide training for interpreters and some Chin who have been here longer themselves act as interpreters. ESOL classes are available through English Language Program at Nelson and Marlborough Institute of Technology, Victory community Centre and Victory Primary School.

As a number of the Chin people did not remain in school beyond primary education they are not literate in their own language. Therefore information needs to be provided in written, pictorial and video format in their f first language or Burmese. Parents cant communicate with teachers about their children

Names In Myanmar only one name is given to a child. This name reflects the successes of the childs grandparents and is a highly significant part of Chin culture. Professionals need to be aware of this cultural belief when asking for paper work to be completed. Paternal Culture In Chin Family the father is seen as the head and should always be addressed first if he is present. Boys are raised to be strong and hard resulting in many Chin men appearing to lack expression and emotion, traits that are often observed in autistic individuals. Children Many Chin families will have between -6 children and will start families by their midtwenties. Children are seen as the future for the family. This value put on a Chin child may deter parents seeking help when developmental problems occur. Eye-Contact Conflicting information was found with regards to the Chin cultural appropriateness of eye contact. Scarlis (2010) reports that eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge whereas in the Department of Labour advices that It is important to give and expect returned eye contact. As abnormal eye contact is often used as an indicator of possible autism it is important that correct cultural protocol regarding eye contact is established. Respect In Chin culture when meeting with their elders respect is shown by bending forward from the waist and crossing arms over the chest. Children must show upmost respect for elders and the adage of children should be seen and not heard is often adhered to. This app arent lack of communication could be misinterpreted when looking for indicators of autism, The head should never be touched, as this is the highest part of the body and nor should the feet as they are the lowest part of the body. It is extremely disrespectful to point using the foot. These are all protocols that professionals working with Chin need to be aware of.

Food and Dress It is ok to turn down offers of food or drink but visitors must be prepared for the Chin host to make this offer 3 times. Chin often have financial challenges and so when visiting a Chin home or meeting with a Chin family it is advisable to wear simple clothing. Spiritual Beliefs Most Chin are Christian and this can help the transition to a new country as they can join already establish Chin churches and Christian communities. However some still hold a belief that everything in nature has a soul. These beliefs may impact on favoured interventions. Medicine As in many Asian cultures Chin may use the traditional remedies of cupping or coining which they see as removing illness from the body. Mothers may also bind a sick childs tongue or finger and prick it to draw a spot of blood, this way letting the bad blood out. If families are not experiencing positive interactions with health professionals research suggest that they may turn to these more traditional remedies. Many Chin from more remote parts of Myanmar will not have had any experience with western medical practices. When visiting the doctor they may well expect him to know what is wrong with them and will not ask any questions. Health professionals need to ask very specific questions to gain reliable responses from Chin families. Financial Challenges In 2012 25 Chin in Nelson were receiving unemployment benefit. Financial challenges can deter families from going to the doctor and make having an interpreter beyond their means as reflected in these quotes from Settling In Nelson (2012). We cant pay for interpreters Tired of asking for interpreters So will not go to doctor too much trouble

Although a relatively small region compared to other cities that receive UNHCR refugee quotas in New Zealand there has been a determined effort by the Nelson council and the local community to put supports in place for the former refugee population. Victory Primary school caters for the majority of children in the Chin and other refugee communities. Transport is provided to get the children to school and a refugee education coordinator is based at the school. The community centre is attached to the school and provides ESOL classes and child care facilities for toddlers. Within Nelson 50 new refugee support workers are trained every year. Refugee Service Nelson and Nelson Mulitcultural Council offer support and information to refugees and help raise awareness within the community.

Maybe the next step is to provide cultural awareness education for the professionals working with the Chin and other refugee communities.

References

Campaign on WAAD Organized by Myanmar Autism Association (MAA), Yangon, Myanmar, 2 April 2012. (2012). Retrieved from ASEAN Autism Network: http://www.aanasean.net/?q=node/59 Myanmarese refugees from the March 2012 Refugee Quota Intake . (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nelsonmulticultural.co.nz/site/nelsonmulti/files/ethnic_info/Burmese% 20Nelson%20Mar%202012.pdf Settling in refugees in Nelson October 2012. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.hrc.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SiRiN.pdf Immigration New Zealand. (n.d.). Retrieved from Immigration New Zealand Statistics: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/statistics/ Scarlis, C. A. (2010). Chin Cultural Profile. Retrieved from ethnoMED: http://ethnomed.org/culture/chin