| Native Americans are a seldom researched population with divergent prevalence rates of some developmental disabilities when compared to Whites and some racial and ethnic minorities. These differing prevalence rates are thought to be due to several reasons including distinctive tribal beliefs and limited knowledge of developmental disabilities. However, these beliefs differacross tribes and the knowledge of developmental disabilities has not been investigated in aNative American population. The current study addresses the present literature gap by utilizing several surveys to collect data from residents of a local tribal community. The surveys were administered to 24 members of the tribal community measuring acculturation, knowledge of and beliefs about developmental disabilities, and demographic information. The data collected was analyzed through correlations and two multiple linear regressions. No statistically significant results were found with the current available data. Limitations and future directions of the current study are discussed. Key Words: developmental disabilities, Native Americans, knowledge, beliefs |