"The Structural Rigidity of the U.S. is Missing in Mexico and the Diversity and Freedom of Mexico is Missing in the U.S.": Experiences of Autism Service Providers Along the U.S.-Mexico Border.

purposeThis qualitative study examined how Mexican early intervention (EI) providers develop professional expertise in autism services and navigate systemic barriers while providing culturally responsive interventions to families near the U.S.-Mexico border.

methodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 Spanish-speaking EI providers from Tijuana and Mexicali who work with autistic children ages 0-7. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and discussed their professional development, service delivery practices, and experiences in border cities. Data were analyzed using inductive coding based on Mignolo's "border thinking" and "epistemic disobedience" frameworks.

resultsFive themes emerged: (1) Service Gaps and Structural Inequities, highlighting systemic barriers in both public and private sectors; (2) Reclaiming Knowledge-Local Pathways to Professional Expertise, demonstrating how providers create alternative learning pathways through international training, mentorship, and self-directed education; (3) Challenging Deficit Narratives-A Strength-Based View of Families, showing how providers view caregivers as co-therapists and adapt interventions to family routines and cultural contexts; (4) Navigating Dual Systems-Service Provision in the Borderlands, illustrating providers' adaptation to serve families across different healthcare and educational systems; and (5) Cross-Border Learning and Adaptation, revealing providers' deliberate efforts to understand U.S. autism culture and supplement services for transfronterizx families.

conclusionMexican EI providers demonstrate innovative approaches to autism intervention that challenge eurocentric models through culturally responsive, family-centered practices. Their unique border position enables them to bridge service gaps for transfronterizx families, though systemic barriers limit formal collaboration with U.S. providers. These findings highlight the need for increased cross-border partnerships to improve outcomes for Hispanic/Latine families navigating dual healthcare systems.