This research paper aims to explore the experiences of parents or caregivers of black children in obtaining a formal autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Despite reliable screening practices and early detection initiatives, black children are being diagnosed with autism at a later age compared to white children and other races. This qualitative study employs a phenomenological approach to capture the unique perspectives of parents and caregivers, shedding light on barriers to quality care and identifying evidence-based interventions to address the diagnostic disparity. Convenience sampling was used to recruit five participants, all female caregivers, residing along the eastern coast of the United States. Data was collected through phone interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: “developmental expectations,” “socioeconomic barriers,” and “cultural stigmas.” The study highlights the importance of parental awareness, the impact of socioeconomic status on equitable access to care, and the need to address cultural stigmas to improve early diagnosis and intervention for black children with ASD. However, the study’s small sample size and reliance on self-reported data are limitations that should be considered when interpreting the findings.
Keywords: autism; African American; occupational therapy; qualitative; screening
