“As immigrants we are all lost in our autism journey”: Experiences of raising children with autism, barriers to equal access, and facilitators to accessing autism services among immigrant fathers

Background: Immigrant families with autistic children face barriers to autism-related services and supports in the United States. The experiences of immigrant fathers, who play a crucial role in caregiving and decision-making for children with autism, have been largely ignored. This study aims to explore the experiences of immigrant fathers as they navigate autism-related supports and services in the United States. We alternate between identity-first and person-first language to honor the preferences of the autism and autistic community. Methods: We used a qualitative interpretive approach and semi-structured interviews to collect and analyze data from 25 first-generation Afghan and Iranian immigrant fathers of autistic children living in the United States. Results: Our research revealed stories from immigrant fathers of autistic children who faced stressors related to parenting, bonding with their children, and cultural stigma. These immigrant fathers encountered barriers in accessing autism services, attributed to a lack of social support and the U.S. health care system's complexities. They emphasized the importance of culturally and linguistically tailored services, which could promote access to necessary supports, suggesting that acculturation plays a role in improving service accessibility. Conclusions: In the development and execution of services for autistic children, it is imperative to incorporate considerations for the unique needs of immigrant families, including fathers. Tailoring services to address the cultural and linguistic requirements of these families is crucial.