South Asian American families often keep autism diagnoses hidden, delaying care

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Ritu Goel points out that the CDC now estimates autism affects about one in 31 U.S. children, a rise from earlier figures. She observes that many South Asian American households treat an autism diagnosis as a private matter, which limits early intervention.

Research and clinical experience show that South Asian children receive developmental disability diagnoses later than white peers, typically a year to a year and a half after. These families also use fewer support services.

The primary obstacle is cultural stigma rather than language barriers, insurance gaps, or geographic distance, leaving affected children without timely care.