CDC surveillance data reveals a significant disparity in autism diagnosis rates across ethnic groups in the United States. Asian and Pacific Islander children show a reported prevalence of 14.8 per 1,000, compared to 24.7 per 1,000 among white children—a substantial gap that experts attribute partly to cultural and systemic barriers. These lower reported rates may not reflect true prevalence but rather underdiagnosis influenced by cultural stigma, language barriers, and healthcare access disparities. Dr. Ritu Goel argues that cultural factors in South Asian families—including concerns about family reputation and disability disclosure—may contribute to delayed diagnoses and underreporting. The data underscores the need for targeted outreach, culturally competent screening practices, and community education to ensure equitable identification and care for all children with autism spectrum disorder. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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