South Asian children less likely to receive autism diagnosis
Research reveals that South Asian heritage children are significantly less likely to receive an autism or ADHD diagnosis compared to white British peers, with new figures showing South Asian pupils are three and a half times less likely to be diagnosed with autism.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
New research from the University of Leeds, shared exclusively with ITV News, has revealed that South Asian heritage children are significantly less likely to receive a diagnosis of autism or ADHD compared to their white British peers. The study found that South Asian pupils are three and a half times less likely to be diagnosed with autism, and a similar disparity exists for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. South Asian girls are the least likely of any group to receive a diagnosis, highlighting substantial gender and ethnic inequalities in the system.
The findings come amid growing concern that cultural factors and a lack of awareness within some South Asian communities are preventing children from getting the support they need. One mother from Bradford, whose son Faman has been waiting for an NHS autism assessment for more than a year, said some families "don't believe in autism" and dismiss symptoms as the child not listening. Her son receives specialist support at his primary school, but she believes better systems are needed to help families navigate their children's needs.
Clinicians also point to a failure by the NHS to account for cultural differences during assessments. Dr Samara Ali, who has conducted autism assessments for seven years, said reduced eye contact, which is often seen as a sign of respect in some cultures, is frequently misinterpreted as a key trait of autism. She argued that clinicians need to understand the cultural context families bring to assessments.
Girls are particularly at risk of being missed, as they often mask their symptoms. A teacher at Westbourne Primary School in Bradford noted that quiet behaviour in girls is often dismissed, whereas the same behaviour in boys would prompt questions. Zara, a pupil at the school, waited four years for her autism diagnosis.
The NHS says it is working to bring down waiting times and improve access to care for underserved communities. However, half of these children are still waiting for an assessment. South Asian communities say better systems and support are needed to help them navigate their children's needs, and NHS England has said it is reviewing the help available.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| Half of South Asian children referred for autism or ADHD assessments are still waiting for an appointment. | |
| NHS England is reviewing the help available for autism and ADHD diagnosis disparities. | |
| South Asian children, particularly girls, are less likely to be diagnosed with autism or ADHD than white British children. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
This broadcast introduced the story with a brief summary of the research from the University of Leeds, then focused on the personal experiences of families in Bradford. It highlighted cultural unawareness within South Asian communities and the need for clinicians to consider cultural context during assessments. The tone was empathetic and informative, with a strong emphasis on the mother's perspective and the role of schools.
- “They don't believe in autism yeah they they say like he's not listening.”
- “reduced eye contact is seen as can be seen as a sign of respect in some cultures but actually that's something that we'd be looking at in an autism assessment as a key trait.”
This broadcast led with a stronger statistical hook, explicitly stating that South Asian pupils are three and a half times less likely to receive an autism diagnosis. It also emphasised that some families do not believe in neurodivergent conditions, framing the issue as both a cultural and systemic failure. The report included the same personal stories and expert commentary, but placed greater weight on the NHS's response and the scale of the disparity.
- “South Asian pupils are three and a half times less likely to receive an autism diagnosis than their white British classmates.”
- “their families don't believe in neurodivergent conditions.”
- “Girls more so than boys it's oh she's just a bit quiet if a boy was that quiet we'd be saying why is a boy that quiet.”
Broadcast Timeline
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