10.1177/1054137303256586 ARTICLE ILLNESS, CRISIS & LOSS (April 2004) Won et al. / CULTURALLY COMPETENT CARE Culturally and Linguistically Competent Care of a Korean-American Child with Autism JungWan Won Korea University Marilyn Krajicek Haeok Lee University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Issues and Purpose: Health care providers need to understand and respond effec- tively to the cultural and linguistic needs brought by patients to the health care encounter. However, there is almost no research on the needs of immigrant chil- dren, especially children with mental disabilities. This case study of an autistic Korean immigrant child and his family illustrates the need for cultural and lin- guistic competence in providing care. Conclusions: This Korean immigrant child did not receive culturally and linguistically competent care. His diagnosis was delayed and his engagement in ongoing treatment was problematic. Language problems and unfamiliarity with the health care system posed difficulties for the child’s caregivers in accessing and participating in care and community resources. The parents experienced guilt, conflict, frustration, and isolation from viable sup- port communities, even the Korean-American religious community. Practice implications: Health care professionals need to provide culturally and linguisti- cally competent care to help to decrease the disparities in health status and health care access. Health care providers must assess their own cultural viewpoints and biases while learning about the issues and needs of children from different cultures. Keywords: Korean child; autism; culturally and linguistically competent health care; access to care According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2001), of the nation’s resident population on census day, 1 April 2000, 28.4 million were foreign born 139 Address correspondence to haeok.lee@uchsce.edu. Illness, Crisis & Loss, Vol. 12, No. 2, April 2004 139-154 DOI: 10.1177/1054137303256586 © 2004 Sage Publications