Understanding of Autism and the Diagnostic Process in Uzbekistan: Mothers' Perspectives

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Understanding of Autism and the Diagnostic Process in Uzbekistan: Mothers' Perspectives
Language: English
Authors: Kristie Asaro-Saddler (ORCID 0000-0003-2247-7419), Narmene Hamsho, Mohinur Uzoqova, Hedayat Ghazali
Source: Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities. 2026 51(2):79-93.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parent Attitudes, Mothers, Knowledge Level, Clinical Diagnosis, Misconceptions, Disability Identification, Barriers, Cultural Influences
Geographic Terms: Uzbekistan
DOI: 10.1177/15407969251343493
ISSN: 1540-7969
2169-2408
Abstract: Although much is known about autism worldwide, it is not well understood in many non-Western communities. The purpose of this study was to add to the limited database on autism in underrepresented countries by exploring Uzbek mothers' understanding of autism and their perceptions of their child's assessment and diagnostic process. Seven mothers in Uzbekistan participated in a semistructured, open-ended focus group interview conducted remotely via Zoom. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that mothers had a good understanding of the causes of autism, though some still lacked knowledge and believed in theories such as vaccines, and that mothers described a long and difficult identification process, highlighted by a lack of trained professionals and services in Uzbekistan. The findings highlight the influence of several contextual factors uniquely distinct to Uzbekistan that would be important to consider for practitioners and future efforts designed to support this population.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1504057
Database: ERIC
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