Dr. Xiang Zhou leads research addressing autism disparities among Indiana Burmese families

Pencil with survey questions

Dr. Xiang Zhou, Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at Purdue University, has received the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute grant to address autism disparities among Burmese families in Indiana with culturally adapted parenting intervention. The research will be conducted with Dr. Jessica Lee, Assistant Professor of Social Work at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI).The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) is a statewide research partnership among Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame, along with several life sciences organizations, governmental entities, and community groups. CTSI has been continuously funded by multimillion-dollar grants from the National Institutes of Health since its founding in 2008.

Dr. Zhou and Dr. Lee will conduct research to understand the needs of Burmese refugee families with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This recent grant award is a Community Based Participatory Research Program project funded by CTSI.

Xiang Zhou
Dr. Xiang Zhou, Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at Purdue University, will lead research to address autism disparities among Burmese families in Indiana.

“During Phase 1, we plan to interview Burmese families, healthcare providers, and community leaders,” said Dr. Zhou. “During Phase 2, we will conduct a pilot study of a culturally adapted parenting intervention. We are most excited about working alongside the community to develop a culturally grounded intervention.”

Dr. Xiang Zhou with group of students
Dr. Xiang Zhou (front) is pictured Burmese high school students in BACI’s Upward College Summer Scholars Program during a recent research meeting. Dr. Zhou has mentored students through this program since 2021.

Learn more about Dr. Xiang Zhou: https://education.purdue.edu//faculty-profiles/name/xiang-zhou/

Learn more about the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute: https://indianactsi.org/

Source: Dr. Xiang Zhou, xiangzhou@purude.edu 765-494-9739

Writer: Katie Cockerill, kcockeri@purdue.edu