What Cultural Bias Affects Autism Screening?

PostedNovember 10, 2025

UpdatedNovember 27, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Cultural bias in autism screening refers to the influence of cultural differences on the accuracy and fairness of autism assessments. Screening tools and diagnostic criteria are often developed based on certain cultural norms, which can lead to misidentification or underdiagnosis in children from diverse populations. These biases can significantly affect the reliability of autism screening, leading to diagnostic misrepresentation and inequitable access to appropriate care.

How Cultural Bias Affects Autism Screening

Here’s how cultural bias in autism screening can impact the process:

Diverse Populations:

Autism symptoms can be expressed differently across cultures. Children from diverse populations may show autism traits that are not readily recognized by standard screening tools, which are often designed based on Western norms. For example, social behaviours like eye contact, which may be considered a sign of autism in some cultures, might be viewed differently in other cultural contexts, affecting the identification process.

Diagnostic Misrepresentation:

It occurs when children from certain cultural backgrounds are either overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with autism. Screening tools that do not account for cultural differences in behaviour can lead to misinterpretations, such as mistakenly identifying a child as having autism.

Equity Issues:

It arises when cultural bias in autism screening prevents equal access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Children from marginalized or minority communities may face barriers to accurate diagnosis, which can delay intervention and affect long-term outcomes.

Cultural bias in autism screening must be addressed to ensure that all children receive a fair, accurate evaluation and timely intervention. For expert advice and personalised consultations, visit providers like Autism Detect to ensure that your child receives the right support through an equitable and culturally competent process.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Autism Screening and Assessment Tools.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.