Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Ritu Goel warns that cultural stigma surrounding autism diagnoses creates significant barriers to care for South Asian American families. In many South Asian households, autism diagnoses trigger what Goel describes as a family crisis, driven by cultural expectations around family reputation and child achievement. This stigma often leads families to keep diagnoses secret, isolating children from critical therapeutic interventions during crucial developmental windows. The tendency to maintain confidentiality compounds access challenges, as children may miss early intervention opportunities that could significantly improve outcomes. Healthcare providers are urged to adopt culturally sensitive approaches that acknowledge these unique pressures while emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these cultural dynamics is essential for delivering equitable care to all children with autism spectrum disorder. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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