Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume 47, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 305-315

“It was like walking without knowing where I was going”: A Qualitative Study of Autism in a UK Somali Migrant Community (Article) (Open Access)

Fox F.* , Aabe N. , Turner K. , Redwood S. , Rai D.
  • a The National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLAHRC West), University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, 9th floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT, United Kingdom, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, United Kingdom
  • b Autism Independence, Silai Centre, 176 Easton Road, Bristol, BS5 0ES, United Kingdom
  • c The National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLAHRC West), University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, 9th floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT, United Kingdom, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, United Kingdom
  • d The National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLAHRC West), University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, 9th floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT, United Kingdom, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, United Kingdom
  • e School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, United Kingdom, Bristol Autism Spectrum Service, Avon & Wiltshire Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust, 3 Petherton Road, Bristol, BS14 9BP, United Kingdom

Abstract

Increasing recognition of autism in Somali migrant communities means that appropriate support services are needed. Attitudes to autism and barriers related to help-seeking in these communities are poorly understood. We aimed to assess what families affected by autism need, and how health, education and social care services can support them. In partnership with the local Somali community the research team conducted 15 in-depth interviews with parents affected by autism. Two themes are reported; ‘Perceptions of Autism’ and ‘Navigating the System’. Our research shows the importance of understanding cultural views of autism and the need to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide support to encourage families not to delay seeking help for their children. © 2016, The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Attitudes Somali Disability Help-seeking Autism migrant Childhood qualitative

Index Keywords

Needs Assessment education Somali (people) human autism priority journal social care ethnology Social Work qualitative research mental disease Humans migrant psychology Adolescent male extended family preschool child female Child, Preschool Autistic Disorder clinical article stigma Article help seeking behavior awareness adult migration Somalia United Kingdom Transients and Migrants Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84995804553&doi=10.1007%2fs10803-016-2952-9&partnerID=40&md5=2e39789dde7dfa1b3cee9e5cc10f3bb2
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2952-9
ISSN: 01623257
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English