Challenges in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder among Latin American migrant communities in the Netherlands: a qualitative study

Purpose This study aims to examine how intervening social factors influence autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in Latin American migrant families living in the Netherlands. Focusing on social support, language proficiency and perceptions of discrimination in health care, the authors adopted a socioecological perspective. Design/methodology/approach Using a narrative design guided by content analysis, the authors conducted 13 semistructured qualitative interviews with parents representing several Latin American countries. Findings The findings reveal that these families face considerable challenges accessing diagnostic assessment services for their children, primarily due to language barriers, nationality differences and cultural disparities. These barriers lead to misdiagnosis, delays in care, scrutiny, provider transitions and feelings of abandonment, in line with previous research. Importantly, migration itself is not an inherent risk factor for ASD. Research limitations/implications This qualitative study provides in-depth understanding of parental experiences but is limited in its transferability due to its sample size (13 interviews) and context-specific recruitment. As is common in qualitative research, findings are not intended to be statistically generalizable, but rather to offer analytical insights into processes and meanings within a defined group. Data reflects participants’ self-reported experiences, which are interpreted within their social and cultural context. Despite these considerations, the study generates valuable knowledge on barriers to ASD diagnosis and informs future research and service development. Practical implications The findings highlight the need to strengthen culturally and linguistically responsive pathways for ASD diagnosis in migrant populations. Health-care services should improve access to professional interpreters and culturally competent practitioners to reduce communication barriers and misunderstandings during diagnostic assessments. Training for clinicians on migration-related social determinants of health may help reduce delays, misdiagnosis and fragmented care. In addition, clearer referral pathways and stronger coordination between primary care and specialist services could improve continuity of care. These improvements may support earlier identification of developmental concerns and reduce inequalities in access to ASD diagnostic services among migrant families. Social implications This study highlights how social determinants such as language barriers, cultural differences and perceived discrimination shape access to ASD diagnostic services among Latin American migrant families in the Netherlands. These findings underscore the broader impact of migration on health-care equity and the importance of inclusive public health systems. Addressing these challenges may contribute to reducing social inequalities and improving trust between migrant communities and health-care providers. Greater recognition of cultural diversity in health-care interactions can also support social inclusion and empowerment of migrant families, ensuring that children’s developmental needs are identified and addressed in a timely and equitable manner. Originality/value This study provides original insights into the diagnostic pathways of ASD among Latin American migrant families in the Netherlands, a population that remains underrepresented in the literature. By adopting a qualitative and socioecological perspective, it captures the interplay of language, cultural and structural factors shaping access to diagnosis. The study adds value by highlighting migration-related barriers that are often overlooked in ASD research, particularly in European health-care contexts. Its findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of inequities in developmental health services and offer evidence to inform culturally responsive policy and practice improvements in early childhood care.