Autism Spectrum Disorder in Cultural Context

As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder continues to rise rapidly in the United States, now affecting approximately 1 in 31 children, the need for culturally informed, accurate, and equitable assessment and diagnosis has never been greater. Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Diverse Child provides a comprehensive and timely examination of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through a social, cultural, and clinical lens. While ASD occurs across all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender groups, research has consistently demonstrated disparities in prevalence, timing of diagnosis, and access to services, particularly among marginalized and historically underserved populations. By learning how cultural, social, and contextual factors influence the presentation, identification, and treatment of ASD, clinicians can help close this gap and provide better care across demographics. The text is organized into three sections. The first section introduces foundational considerations for ASD diagnosis including diagnostic criteria, screening and assessment tools, implicit bias in healthcare, cultural frameworks for evaluation, and disparities in healthcare access. These chapters establish a shared conceptual foundation for clinicians working with diverse populations. The second section offers in-depth, culturally specific discussions of ASD across a range of communities, including Black, Asian, Hispanic-Latinx/a/o, American Indian, and immigrant families. Through clinically grounded case examples, this section highlights nuanced cultural considerations that may shape symptom expression, family perceptions, and diagnostic outcomes. The final section explores additional complexities such as bilingualism, sensory differences, sex and gender diversity, and co-occurring conditions, all of which may further complicate diagnosis and intervention. Written by experts across multiple specialties, Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Diverse Child serves as both a practical guide and a call to action for clinicians, educators, and trainees. It underscores the importance of cultural humility and comprehensive conceptualization to improve diagnostic accuracy and promote equitable care for all individuals with ASD and their families.