Help-Seeking Experiences among Burmese American Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multi-Informant...

Burmese refugees, constituting one of the largest group of refugees admitted to the United States, accounting for 21% of total admissions in the past decade. Using a multi-informed perspective, this research study sought to understand the help-seeking experiences of Burmese American refugee families regarding the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 16 individuals, including primary caregivers (n=6), Burmese community leaders (n=4), and healthcare workers (n=6). Caregiver interviews were conducted in Burmese Chin languages by native speakers on the research team. Our results indicated systematic barriers and access to health care, health literacy, cultural stigma and perception surrounding families and community, professional and family interaction with multicultural consideration, and caregiver burnout collectively shape the complex landscape of help-seeking experiences among Burmese American families with children with ASD. We provided clinical recommendations for providers and community leaders to address the barriers found in our study.