4.2 Diagnosing autism in different cultures
In many developing countries, access to diagnosis is extremely limited, which contributes to strikingly lower prevalence estimates (Elsabbagh et al., 2012). There is also evidence for variations in diagnosis rates between different ethnic communities within a given country (Begeer et al., 2009).
Most diagnostic criteria and tools have been developed in the UK and US and reflect the majority Western understanding of what is typical behaviour and what constitutes significant difference. Beyond the challenge of making diagnosis available wherever it is needed, there is the issue of what diagnostic criteria and instruments are appropriate to use; cultural norms for behaviour must be considered (Norbury and Sparks, 2013).
Activity 6 What factors affect varying prevalence estimates across cultures?
In these clips, Dr Prithvi Perepa, of Northampton University, draws on his own research to consider the implications of cross-cultural factors for diagnosis of autism. As you watch the clips, note the main factors he mentions.
4.1 Autism in females
