The Chinese Immigrant Women’s Experience of Autism Diagnosis
Date
2022-06
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Abstract
Understanding the diagnostic experiences of autistic Canadian Chinese immigrants is imperative for clinical practice in our diverse landscape as they are underrepresented in research and considered vulnerable to delayed care due to their socioeconomic background, immigration status, English proficiency, stigma, and marginalization. Individual experience of the diagnostic process of autistic Chinese immigrants can inform clinicians of how it affects diverse individuals. Data from semi-structured interviews with three Chinese immigrant female participants were analyzed via Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results suggest clinician way-of-being and knowledge about autism were important. Participants preferred a clinician who explained the diagnosis using simple English, rather than jargon, and a use of visual aids was considered helpful. Participants developed a better sense of themselves through the diagnosis but wished there was more awareness about autism, education, and access to supports. Finally, all participants felt more supported when their families were included in the process. Incorporation of these considerations when providing an accessible diagnostic process is encouraged. The implications of these results could inform diagnostic practice guidelines.
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Keywords
autism, immigrants, Chinese, Identity, Diagnosis, Experiences, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Chinese immigrants, Autism in women, Canada, critical race
Citation
Ye, Q. Q. (2022). The Chinese immigrant women’s experience of autism diagnosis (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.