Understanding of Autism and the Diagnostic Process in Uzbekistan: Mothers’ Perspectives

Abstract

Although much is known about autism worldwide, it is not well understood in many non-Western communities. The purpose of this study was to add to the limited database on autism in underrepresented countries by exploring Uzbek mothers’ understanding of autism and their perceptions of their child’s assessment and diagnostic process. Seven mothers in Uzbekistan participated in a semistructured, open-ended focus group interview conducted remotely via Zoom. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that mothers had a good understanding of the causes of autism, though some still lacked knowledge and believed in theories such as vaccines, and that mothers described a long and difficult identification process, highlighted by a lack of trained professionals and services in Uzbekistan. The findings highlight the influence of several contextual factors uniquely distinct to Uzbekistan that would be important to consider for practitioners and future efforts designed to support this population.