Cultural Views of Autism Among Somali Immigrants in Minnesota: a qualitative study

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States (Shaw et al., 2025), yet the experiences of immigrant communities remain underrepresented in autism research. Somali families in Minnesota, in particular, often face cultural stigma, limited awareness, and barriers to accessing appropriate services. This ongoing qualitative study explores how Somali parents and caregivers understand autism, how it is experienced within families. Data were collected through three focus group discussions with Somali parents and caregivers of children with autism. Discussions focused on cultural meanings of autism, and lived experiences. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and shared experiences. Three major themes were mentioned throughout the focus groups. First, autism was often unfamiliar within the Somali community and frequently understood through cultural and religious frameworks, especially at the time of diagnosis. Second, stigma and blame toward parents shaped family experiences, contributing to isolation and delayed help-seeking. Third, families reported significant challenges navigating diagnosis and treatment, including lack of culturally competent services, complex support systems, and delayed access to resources. These findings highlight the importance of centering community voices in autism research and emphasize the need for culturally responsive education, services, and support systems to improve equity in autism care.