The Role of Language and Parental Nativity in Specialty Services Use Among Latino Families with Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Latino children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face disparities in accessing specialty services. Using 2020-2023 National Survey of Children's Health data (N = 2,497), we conducted logistic regressions to examine how parental nativity and household language affect specialty services use among Latino children with IDD. While children of immigrant parents had lower odds of service use, this association was explained by household language. Children in Spanish-speaking households were significantly less likely to receive services (OR = 0.53, CI = 0.33-0.84). The mediation analysis further highlights that language, more than nativity, drives disparities. Therefore, efforts to improve access should include Spanish-speaking providers and culturally responsive care.