Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common neurodevelopmental conditions that can affect learning, communication, behavior, attention, family life, and access to education and healthcare support. While early identification and intervention are important, South Asian families in the United States may face social, cultural, and institutional barriers that delay diagnosis and ongoing care. This qualitative study examines how South Asian parents and caregivers navigate autism and ADHD diagnosis, school support, healthcare, and long-term care. The central research question asks: What social, cultural, and institutional barriers delay access to autism and ADHD diagnosis and care for South Asian families in the United States, and where do these barriers appear along the pathway from first concern to support?
This study draws on 10 semi-structured Zoom interviews with South Asian parents and caregivers of children or adolescents with autism and/or ADHD. Participants included mothers, fathers, and older sibling caregivers. Interviews were analyzed using a hybrid deductive–inductive thematic analysis. Major themes included stigma and fear of labels, delayed recognition, family and community misunderstanding, school and provider barriers, academic pressure and achievement masking, caregiver stress, gendered caregiving, and sibling caregiving. Preliminary findings suggest that delays did not occur at one single stage. Instead, barriers appeared across the full care pathway, from first concern and family interpretation to diagnosis, school support, and ongoing care. Findings highlight the need for earlier screening, clearer school and healthcare guidance, culturally responsive education, stigma reduction, and long-term caregiver support.