Maori And Autism: A Scoping Review

Cultural groups may vary considerably in their understandings of autism spectrum disorder and approaches to supporting autistic individuals. However, approaches to researching, identifying and managing autism are largely dominated by Western perspectives. This review provides an overview of the literature related to autism and Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. A search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature identified 273 potentially relevant publications, and 13 of these met inclusion criteria. The included publications addressed questions related to Maori understandings of autism, Maori prevalence rates and diagnostic and support services for Maori. Findings suggest broad differences in Maori and Western understandings of autism and slightly higher autism prevalence rates for Maori than for non-Maori New Zealanders. The need for diagnostic and support services that are both effective and culturally appropriate for Maori was also highlighted. These findings are discussed in relation to implications for future research and the provision of services for autistic Maori.Lay abstractMost current approaches to identifying, researching and managing autism are based on Western views and understandings. However, different cultural groups may understand and approach autism differently. We searched a wide range of websites, academic journals and other sources for published information related to autism and Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our search identified 13 publications that addressed questions related to Maori understandings of autism, Maori prevalence rates and diagnostic and support services for Maori. Overall, we found broad differences in Maori and Western understandings of autism and slightly higher autism prevalence rates for Maori than for non-Maori New Zealanders. Findings also highlighted a need for diagnostic and support services that are both effective and culturally appropriate for Maori. We discuss what these findings might mean for future research and the provision of services for Maori with autism.