Examining contextual, experiential and psychological factors that influence (determine and threaten) the wellbeing of Black and minority ethnic groups

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The growth of research on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, (hereafter ASD) over the last few decades (e.g. APA, 2013; Zainal & Magiati, 2016) suggests that researchers, families, communities, and societies still consider autism a complex disorder despite the myriad of information available. The intricate nature of autism requires an interdisciplinary approach (neuroscience, psychology, speech and language, visual arts, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence and education) to understand the confounding nature of the condition, contribute to the dialogue and debate on the best to support children with autism (Porayska-Pomsta et al., 2012). The research questions will examine how culture shapes understandings and approaches to autism by observing how West-African immigrant parents respond to ASD within the diverse UK culture. This study is vital to understand how culture influences individuals' psychosocial understanding of autism; yet conspicuously under-researched in academia. Subsequently, a cultural study of autism is essential to contribute to the existing dialogue, an interdisciplinary approach and to gain a holistic understanding of ASD. [...]Traditional research on disability has usually represented 'the disabled' in ways which can be viewed as disempowering (Rodan & Ellis, 2016; Morris, 1992; Slee, 1996), therefore it is important that new research recognise the power dynamics that exist between ASD and neurotypical individuals. Barnes (1992) call for research into disability to become 'emancipatory' whereby "research is about the systematic demystification of the structures and processes which create disability, and the establishment of a workable 'dialogue' between the research community and disabled people to facilitate the latter's empowerment" (122). Such awareness is paramount in constructing a study which seeks to understand the disabled (and those who advocate on behalf of them) in ways which they view as emancipatory rather than discriminatory, thus, supporting the purpose of this research to empower the West-African caregivers in a Western society. [...]This research will raise awareness of how Black participants perceive ASD, particularly West-African parents' experiences of their ASD child. This study will develop substantive research and theory in an area where limited research exists, lead to a comparative understanding and explanation of attitudes of the autism condition in the Black community and begin to reduce stigma attached to disability/autism, specifically, in West-African community. Furthermore, the study findings will inform professional practice: encourage professionals, whether teachers or health practitioners to educate themselves on ASD and the cultural influence on West-African parents (Papadopoulos, 2016) to encourage close working relationship between parents and professionals.