Loading ...Beyond the Labels: Redefining Autism in Arab American Narratives
By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing Writer
Autism remains a largely misunderstood and stigmatized topic within many Arab American communities. Despite growing awareness globally, cultural beliefs and social expectations often frame autism as a taboo subject, leading families to feel shame or fear of judgment. This can result in delayed diagnoses, lack of support, and isolation for both children and parents. But what if we found a way to uplift neurodivergent families as a community to not only get rid of this generational shame, but also push acceptance within our community.
The truth is that the Autism spectrum doesn’t recognize race or ethnic background. Oftentimes we hear within our community “that couldn’t happen to my child” or “my child is just… different”, and while there is no problem with this,(of course , all children are different); this social stigma of having to normalize perfection in order to prevent being overly observed is only pushing the negative stigmas of autism rather than accepting neurodivergence and its beauty.
Lack of Research Within the Arab American Community
The Journal of the National Medical Association released a survey 15 Arab countries and across 32 States within the U.S., highlighting the diverse comparison between Arab Americans and Arabs residing in Arab nations. Through this study, they found that “…US parents reported a higher satisfaction for the overall diagnostic process with median score of 3.0 compared to 2.5 for parents in Arab countries. Parents in both countries reported information seeking/self-education about autism and acceptance and/or religion as the 2 most valuable coping strategies.” While this study points out the purpose of why I write this article today, its interesting to see ways in which studies on neurodiversity are aimed at highlighting White Americans that marginalized communities.
Is this stigma highly pushed due to the fact that we are immigrants of a nation that continues to target us that we find that we must stand out, have no “outer flaws”, etc.? How backwards! It’s time to wake up! These stigmas are only being pushed because we allow them to! Where is the stop? With a basic Google search, you could not find an exact number of how many Arab American children go undiagnosed of the Autism Spectrum Disorder, and this is not by coincidence, but solely based on the fact that the taboo is so prevelant within our society to get diagnosed that we are closed off by the idea of participating in these studies to further research.
Mo
Yes, Mo’ on Netflix! Let’s go back to Mo’s brother Sameer. On the show, Sameer is Mo’s brother who’s in his late 30s and still undiagnosed on being on the Autism spectrum. The way his character is introduced is through his quirks that while the family allows the space for accepting his traits that make him different, the mom still doesn’t want to pinpoint the fact that he in fact has autism. Its just a part of Sameers behavior/personality. While there is no blatant line that says “Sameer is on the Autism Spectrum” is obvious the narrative the mom wants to portray. In the midst of having to deal with a careless lawyer to deal with their immigration case and the start to a new olive oil business; Sameer’s own mental health is put at a standstill while the chaos of the family is prioritized, until Sameer gets stumped by a panic attack at his new job where he doesn’t know what is happening to him.
To watch this episode is not only upsetting to watch, but also shows just how going undiagnosed could lead to dangers of your own family member’s mental health who are on the spectrum.
Neurodivergence in the Arab American Community
Let’s be honest — mental health is still misunderstood in many parts of the Arab community. Whether it’s autism, depression, anxiety, or anything in between, these challenges are too often overlooked or dismissed. But the truth is, mental health struggles can be overwhelming and very real.
Seeking help from a specialist or getting access to the right resources to better understand how our minds work is not just okay — it’s necessary. As a community, we need to embrace acceptance and make use of the tools available to us. Only then can we support our loved ones on the spectrum and ensure they receive the diagnoses, care, and understanding they deserve.
Learn more at Autism Speaks
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