The intersection between ethnicity and autism
Research suggests that structural racism can contribute to inequalities in autism diagnosis and access to healthcare services. For example, Broder-Fingert et al. (2020) highlight that structural racism may lead to delayed diagnosis, reduced access to treatment, and poorer health outcomes for autistic people from minority backgrounds. Whilst this study underlines the urgency of improvement within an American system, a growing body of European research shows that ethnic minority, migrant, and racialised populations often face similar barriers to autism identification, referral, and diagnosis.
A Dutch study by Begeer et al. (2008) found evidence of bias among paediatricians and clinicians at the referral stage, before a formal assessment takes place. More recently, Kostet (2026) examined the experiences in autism of ethnic and racial minority adults in both Belgium and the Netherlands. Through interviews, the study found that many viewed their social and communication difficulties as a result of being a minority in predominantly White environments rather than as a possible sign of autism. Participants also felt disconnected from common representations of autism, which are often based on stereotypes of White, middle-class boys and men.
The findings suggest that delayed autism diagnosis is not only linked to cultural differences but also to broader processes of racism, exclusion and ‘othering’ that shape how autism is recognized and understood. Lastly, for readers interested in a broader overview of this topic, Tromans et al. (2020)’s Autism Identification Across Ethnic Groups: A Narrative Review, is a useful starting point for exploring this subject further.
This blog post is part of the ARM project. The ARM project is an international project designed to explore the complex layers of racial and gender discrimination through the power of storytelling, art, and narrative research. Our goal is to create practical tools that support the mental health and empowerment of racialised and LGBTIQ youth.
At its core, the project looks beyond individual incidents of racism or discrimination. Instead, we’re interested in the hidden, often unspoken emotional impact these experiences leave behind — how they shape a young person’s sense of self, confidence, and well‑being.
Across Europe, race and gender still strongly influence who feels safe, heard, and valued. Yet the mental health effects of racism, gender discrimination, and internalised racism are rarely discussed, even though they deeply affect racialised and LGBTIQ young people. ARM aims to change that by creating spaces where youth can share their lived experiences and see their stories reflected, respected, and understood.
