Neurodiversity in the Asian Community: Breaking Stereotypes About Intelligence
You may have heard of the terms “neurodivergent” or “neurodiversity” more often, whether in the context of professional relationships or personal needs.
What does neurodiversity mean? Harvard Health Publishing at the Harvard Medical School summarizes it simply: it’s the idea that people experience and interact with the world differently.
Neurodiversity refers to the range of differences in individual brain function and behavior, and is a critical topic that has been gaining attention. It’s the understanding that our human population has a range of natural variation in individuals’ brain function and behavioral traits, and that these differences in a society are normal. What this mindset then allows for is the advocacy and inclusion of people who may be perceived as “other” or “unusual.”
Conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, and learning disorders are commonly classified under neurodivergent traits. These exist in all racial and ethnic communities, including the Asian community.
We at Anise Health believe in the importance of culturally-informed care, a type of healthcare which acknowledges and addresses the unique intersection of needs that individual face. Thus, neurodiversity is a topic that’s growing in importance, particularly for the Asian community.
Within Asian cultures—particularly in the U.S.—these conditions are often overlooked or misunderstood, leading to challenges for those who don't fit the "model minority" stereotype of traditional mold of what it means to be Asian American.
ADHD in the Asian Community
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. In many Asian households, ADHD can be dismissed as a lack of discipline or focus, feeding into a harmful narrative that implies "bad behavior."
In some cases, Asian children who struggle to focus or who display hyperactivity may be labeled as "disobedient" or "lazy." ADHD can easily be misunderstood as a personal failure rather than a neurological difference, leading to shame and frustration for the child.
In reality, ADHD has neurological roots and is not simply a result of poor parenting or personal failings. 2% of Asian American children are diagnosed with ADHD, however Asian countries have ADHD rate of around 6%. Yet, because academic success is often paramount in Asian families, children struggling with ADHD are sometimes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, forced to conform to rigid expectations that don't align with their cognitive needs.
Asian families may delay seeking help for ADHD due to cultural stigmas attached to mental health. The silence around these issues can result in children feeling isolated or frustrated as they battle not only ADHD but also expectations of excelling in highly structured educational settings.
This can prevent neurodivergent individuals from getting the support they need to succeed. Seeking medical attention or a formal diagnosis may be seen as unnecessary or even taboo, as mental health concerns often carry stigma in many Asian cultures.
Even outside of Asian families, many physicians and healthcare providers who are not culturally-informed may overlook the influence of race on one’s neurodivergence. For example, research shows racial disparities even in the diagnosis of children with ADHD; for every 100 white children diagnosed with ADHD, there are 83 Black and 77 Hispanic children, and just 48 Asian children, with the diagnosis.
Autism and Learning Disorders, particularly in the context of Academics
Similarly, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and learning disorders like dyslexia or dysgraphia are areas where cultural and societal pressures compound difficulties. One example of this reported by NBC News is that twenty percent of public school students receive support through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); however, only 7 percent of Asian American children — the lowest percentage among all racial groups — are served.
Asian American families often emphasize academic achievement, and when a child with autism or a learning disorder doesn't meet these expectations, the pressure can be overwhelming. The traditional value placed on respect, conformity, and academic success can leave little room for understanding and supporting neurodivergent behaviors, such as social challenges or unique learning styles.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and learning disorders like dyslexia and dyscalculia present additional challenges for Asian families. In cultures where academic achievement is highly valued and seen as a measure of family honor, children with autism or learning disorders may struggle to meet expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy or exclusion.
The cultural pressure to conform to a specific academic mold often makes it harder for neurodivergent individuals to be seen and understood for their unique abilities. Autism, for instance, can manifest in differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior—traits that might be perceived as “odd,” “introverted” or “awkward” rather than as symptoms of a condition requiring support and understanding.
Many children on the autism spectrum have special interests, creative abilities, or problem-solving skills that do not fit into traditional academic structures. However, when there is a lack of understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity, these talents are often overlooked, and children may be unfairly judged based on their inability to meet conventional standards. As a result, in Asian-American households, less than one percent of kids with autism are actually being treated.
Misdiagnoses Among Healthcare Providers
Neurodiversity in Asian patients is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed by healthcare providers due to several factors, including cultural biases, communication barriers, and the pervasive stereotype of Asians as high-achieving or "model minority" individuals. For instance, Asians with perceived need for mental health care were significantly less likely than whites to have received treatment in the past year, with only 80.0% of Asians compared to 87.1% of whites receiving care.
This underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis can lead to significant challenges for neurodivergent Asian individuals, who often go without the appropriate support, treatment, or accommodations they need to thrive. Reasons include: unconscious bias, language barriers, masking via cultural norms, and lack of culturally informed care.
Unconscious Bias
Healthcare providers may unconsciously hold biases that contribute to the underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of neurodiversity in Asian patients. The “model minority” stereotype, which paints Asians as inherently intelligent, hardworking, and academically successful, can skew a provider’s perception of a patient’s symptoms. A physician might be less likely to suspect ADHD or a learning disorder in an Asian child who is perceived to perform well academically, even if the child is masking their struggles.
Additionally, providers who are unfamiliar with the specific ways neurodivergent traits can manifest across different cultures might misinterpret or dismiss behaviors. For example, certain traits associated with autism, such as social withdrawal or quietness, might be seen as culturally normative for some Asian families, leading to a missed diagnosis of autism. In other cases, symptoms of ADHD might be mistaken for anxiety, especially in children raised in high-pressure academic environments.
Language Barriers
Language differences can also play a role in misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Many healthcare interactions rely on clear and open communication, but when there is a language barrier, the nuances of a patient's experience can be lost. For non-English-speaking Asian patients or those who are not comfortable with English, explaining complex neurodevelopmental symptoms can be challenging. Moreover, some neurodivergent symptoms may not have direct translations in certain Asian languages, making it difficult to articulate experiences in culturally meaningful ways.
Even when interpreters are available, the cultural understanding of neurodiversity may not translate well. For example, certain terms related to mental health conditions in Western medicine may be misunderstood or carry different connotations in various Asian cultures, affecting how families describe a child's behavior or learning struggles. Asian Americans with poor or fair English proficiency and higher perceived discrimination were significantly more likely to rely on informal services than those with good or excellent English proficiency. That said, studies show that language proficiency itself was not directly associated with service use of formal or informal mental health services, though the interplay of poor language skills and discrimination indicates a higher dependence on informal support.
Masking Via Cultural Norms
In many Asian families, children are often socialized to be respectful, disciplined, and to conform to social norms, especially in educational environments. This can lead to "masking," where neurodivergent individuals—particularly those with autism—consciously or unconsciously suppress behaviors or traits that are seen as socially unacceptable. For example, an autistic child might force themselves to maintain eye contact or remain quiet in class to avoid standing out, even though it feels unnatural or uncomfortable for them.
Oftentimes, this is due to the role that shame plays in preserving a family’s honor. Children often internalize differences as “mental or emotional deformities” and therefore develop unhealthy views of themselves, thus damaging their self-esteem. This can lead to significant challenges later in life if Asian children continue to be blamed and shamed for their differences.
Masking makes it more difficult for teachers or doctors to observe neurodivergent traits and behaviors that might otherwise lead to a diagnosis. As a result, many Asian children and adults go undiagnosed or receive incorrect diagnoses because their symptoms don’t fit the conventional presentations of ADHD or autism seen in other groups.
Lack of Culturally Competent Care
Many healthcare systems in Western countries, including the U.S., have not yet fully integrated culturally competent approaches to neurodiversity diagnoses, meaning there are gaps in understanding the specific ways cultural norms influence behavior. As a result, many healthcare providers may not be trained to recognize how neurodiversity presents in Asian populations. This gap can lead to a one-size-fits-all diagnostic approach that overlooks the cultural nuances impacting an individual’s behavior, learning patterns, and social interactions.
For example, in cultures where silence or deference to authority is valued, a neurodivergent child who avoids eye contact or is quieter than their peers may not raise any flags, whereas these behaviors might prompt further assessment in other populations. Without culturally sensitive diagnostic tools, these symptoms may be missed.
Challenging the "Smart Asian" Stereotype and the Burden of the Model Minority Myth
One of the most challenging aspects of neurodiversity in the Asian community is its conflict with the pervasive stereotype of the "smart Asian." This stereotype perpetuates the idea that all Asians, particularly in the U.S., are high achievers in academic and intellectual fields. While there are many accomplished individuals of Asian descent, this stereotype ignores the diversity within the community and the fact that not all Asians are suited to or interested in the same paths.
For neurodivergent Asians, this stereotype can feel particularly isolating. The assumption that all Asian students excel academically may prevent neurodiverse individuals from getting the support they need, as struggles with learning are often seen as personal failings rather than neurological differences. The pressure to live up to this "model minority" ideal can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and hinder individuals from pursuing careers that better align with their strengths and passions.
One of the most significant barriers for neurodivergent Asians in the U.S. is the stereotype of the “model minority.” This stereotype suggests that Asians are universally high achievers, excelling academically and professionally. While some Asian individuals do thrive in these areas, the assumption that all Asians are intellectually superior creates unrealistic expectations that can be particularly damaging to those who are neurodivergent.
The model minority myth not only erases the diversity within the Asian community but also adds pressure to neurodivergent individuals who may already be struggling to navigate academic and social environments. It can prevent families from seeking help out of fear of shattering the image of success, leaving neurodivergent children without the resources they need to flourish.
Neurodiversity challenges this stereotype by demonstrating that intelligence and success come in many forms, and they are not defined by traditional academic achievement. People with ADHD, autism, or learning disorders often possess strengths such as creativity, problem-solving, and unique perspectives—qualities that can lead to success in ways that don’t fit the narrow expectations of the model minority.
Moving Forward with Culturally-Responsive Care
Addressing neurodiversity in the Asian community requires an ongoing conversation that shifts from shame and stigma to understanding and acceptance. This means recognizing that intelligence is multifaceted and not confined to traditional academic success. ADHD, autism, and learning disorders don’t diminish a person’s potential—they highlight different ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world.
Educational systems and families need to create supportive environments that accommodate neurodivergent needs, allowing individuals to thrive on their own terms. The community's path forward involves rejecting one-size-fits-all notions of intelligence and success, embracing neurodiversity as a strength that enriches the Asian American experience.
By breaking the silence and challenging rigid expectations, the Asian community can become more inclusive, ensuring that every individual—regardless of neurodivergence—can reach their full potential.
If you or someone you know would like access to culturally-responsive mental healthcare, start by completing this short intake form here to be matched with an Anise Health provider.
