Indigenous Australians with autism: A scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Indigenous Health
• Public Health Research

Background:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), face significant marginalization in Australia.
• Existing research on ASD within Indigenous Australian communities is limited, necessitating a comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• To examine the diagnosis, prevalence, carer and service provider perspectives, and support services for Indigenous Australians with ASD.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted.
• 1457 potentially relevant publications were identified, with 19 meeting the inclusion criteria.
• Included studies covered ASD diagnosis, prevalence, perspectives, and support services.

Main Results:

• Prevalence rates of ASD appear similar between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
• Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals with ASD may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
• Research highlights perspectives of Indigenous carers and service providers, alongside barriers to accessing services.

Conclusions:

• While ASD prevalence is comparable, disparities exist in diagnosis and service access for Indigenous Australians.
• Addressing barriers and improving culturally appropriate support services are crucial for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with ASD.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and address the needs of this population.