Help-Seeking Experiences of Asian American Parents of Children with Autism: A Qualitative Study

Significant racial disparities exist in autism diagnosis and intervention, with Asian American children often facing delays and limited access to services. This qualitative study explores the help-seeking barriers encountered by Asian American parents of children with autism, using the Model of Treatment Initiation (MTI) as a guiding framework. In-depth interviews with ten parents revealed four key themes: logistical healthcare challenges, provider-level issues, autism literacy, and cultural stigma. Logistical barriers such as high service costs, insurance delays, and long waitlists significantly hindered access to care. Provider-level challenges included a lack of culturally competent professionals, contributing to underdiagnosis and dissatisfaction with care. Gaps in autism literacy, particularly among families and cultural communities, delayed early identification of symptoms and appropriate interventions. Cultural stigma surrounding developmental disabilities further complicated families’ help-seeking processes, as concerns about shame and judgment within their communities made some reluctant to seek support. Moreover, parents noted the lack of Asian American representation in autism media and advocacy spaces, which further exacerbated their feelings of isolation and difficulty in accessing relevant resources. Limitations of this study include the use of a convenience sample and a small participant pool, which may not fully capture the diversity of experiences within the broader Asian American community. The study highlights the urgent need for more culturally responsive services and advocacy within the autism care system for Asian American families. Future research should address these barriers to develop targeted interventions for diverse Asian American subgroups.