Shadows Within the Collective
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerLu, J. (2026). Shadows Within the Collective. Canadian Journal of Autism Equity, 6(1), 73-91. https://doi.org/10.15173/cjae.v6i1.6838
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Abstract
This essay investigates persistent racial and cultural disparities within autism advocacy, research, and service provision, with a focus on Chinese Canadian autistic individuals. Despite growing attention to inclusion, mainstream autism discourse remains predominantly shaped by Western, English-speaking perspectives — frequently overlooking the nuanced realities of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Drawing from cultural analysis, community insight, and lived experience, the autoethnographic essay examines how covert racial erasure, language-based stigma, and culturally incongruent models of intervention contribute to the systemic marginalisation of Chinese autistic voices. It explores how entrenched beliefs about disability, family duty, and social conformity influence perceptions of autism in Chinese contexts, often resulting in delayed diagnosis, concealment, or denial. The analysis concludes by advocating for more culturally responsive approaches, grounded in equity and collaboration, that can better serve the needs of Chinese Canadian individuals and families.
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