Three Concerns Afghan Mothers Commonly Whisper About Autism

When engaging in private conversations with other Afghan mothers, the topic of autism often surfaces with a mix of worry, love and cultural complexity. These private discussions reveal not only the universal challenges of raising autistic children, but also the unique pressures shaped by migration, community expectations and cultural traditions. Below are five recurring concerns, expressed in heartfelt ways and supported by academic research.

1. Stigma and Social Perception

One of the most common worries Afghan mothers share is how autism is perceived within our Afghan communities. Many describe feeling judged or whispered about, as if their child’s autism diagnosis reflects poorly on the family. Autism is often misunderstood as a form of "madness" in our Afghan communities rather than a developmental difference, which makes most Afghan mothers hesitant to speak openly or seek help. This silence, born of stigma, often delays intervention and isolates families who already feel vulnerable. Research confirms that stigma in immigrant communities contributes to misdiagnosis and late diagnosis, reinforcing the fears Afghan mothers express in private conversations (Ahmad et al., 2024).

2. Access to Services and Language Barriers

Navigating healthcare and educational systems in Western countries is daunting, especially when English is not the first language. Afghan autism mothers often recount stories of sitting through long medical appointments without fully understanding the terminology, or waiting months for autism therapy referrals that never seem to arrive. The frustration of not being able to advocate effectively for their child is compounded by the lack of culturally sensitive resources. Academic studies show that immigrant families consistently face language barriers, long wait times and limited health literacy when trying to access autism services (Lim et al., 2021).

3. Balancing Family Dynamics

Finally, Afghan mothers often speak about the delicate balance of family life. In large, interdependent households, the needs of an autistic child can sometimes overshadow those of siblings, leading to guilt and tension. Mothers describe the challenge of meeting everyone’s needs while also managing household responsibilities and extended family expectations. Research highlights that immigrant families experience unique stress in balancing autism care with broader family dynamics, especially in cultures like ours where family interdependence is central (Khanlou et al., 2017).

These three concerns, stigma, access to services and family dynamics, reflect both universal challenges and culturally specific pressures Afghan mothers face. By listening to these voices and grounding them in research, we can better understand how to support families in ways that honor both their cultural values and their autistic children’s needs.

References

• Ahmad, F., Shafi, F., & Karunakaran, A. (2024). Autism, Stigma, and South Asian Immigrant Families in Canada. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health.

• Lim, N., O’Reilly, M., et al. (2021). A Review of Barriers Experienced by Immigrant Parents of Children With Autism. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

• Khanlou, N., Haque, N., Mustafa, N., et al. (2017). Access Barriers to Services by Immigrant Mothers of Children with Autism in Canada. Springer.