Experiences of first-generation immigrant parents accessing early services for their autistic children in the UK

This study aims to understand the experiences of immigrant parents who have autistic children in accessing early services from the pre-diagnosis period to education. The participants of this research involve eight first-generation immigrant parents who migrated from Türkiye to the UK and have an autistic child(ren). Research data were collected using semi-structured interviews and supported by the researcher’s reflective journals and documents involving medical records and Education Health and Care Plans. The data were analysed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. The findings indicated that language barriers and cultural patterns of perceptual and interpersonal communication affect parental adaptation and access to early services in both positive and negative ways, with each experience reflecting a unique path. These findings have implications for policymakers and practitioners to ensure that early intervention and support services are accessible to all children and families, irrespective of their cultural background and language barriers. • Mothers were often the first to notice autistic features, with some facing conflicting family opinions. • Migrant parents utilised home-country resources due to delays in UK autism diagnosis and support. • Cultural expectations influenced how families perceived autism and sought support services. • Migrant parents doubted the sincerity of professionals, feeling misinformed about their rights. • Some migrant parents stopped using their native language, fearing confusion in children.