Asian American families often hide disability due to a pervasive stigma that undermines the well-being of countless individuals. Disability stigma deeply affects Asian American communities, often leading to silence and a lack of support for individuals and families. In this blog, we’ll explore the cultural, societal, and systemic factors contributing to this stigma and discuss the importance of fostering an environment where Asian American families feel empowered to speak up.

The Cultural Context

Asian American cultures often emphasize values such as family honor, respect for authority, and community over individualism. These cultural norms can contribute to a reluctance to discuss or disclose disabilities, as doing so might be perceived as bringing shame to the family.

Cultural factors can significantly impact how Asian Americans view and address mental health. Traditional beliefs often view disabilities as shameful, hindering help-seeking. Coupled with stigma and limited culturally competent resources, this pressure intensifies, often leading Asian American families to hide disability.

For example, in Vietnamese culture, mental health issues are often seen as a consequence of past misdeeds or ancestral sins. Mental health concerns carry a negative connotation, labeled as “điên” (meaning “madness or crazy”), which can bring disgrace to the family. This cultural perspective discourages open discussion and seeking professional help for disabilities, including mental health issues​ (UCLA)​.

In 2018, a study by the Minority Health Office of Minority Health (OMH) found that Asians were 60% less likely to have received mental health treatment compared to non-Hispanic whites.

The Impact of Stigma on Families

The stigma associated with disabilities can have profound effects on families. It can lead to isolation, mental health challenges, and a lack of support. For instance, parents may feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss their child’s condition with others, leading to social isolation. This isolation can, in turn, prevent them from accessing valuable resources and support networks.

Furthermore, the fear of judgment can prevent parents from seeking early intervention services, which are crucial for the development of children with disabilities. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with developmental disabilities. Yet, many Asian American families delay or avoid seeking these services due to stigma (NCBI, 2020).

Statistics on Disability and Mental Health in Asian Americans

To understand the scope of this issue, let’s look at some statistics:

1. Prevalence of Disabilities: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 4.4% of Asian Americans have a disability (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019).
2. Mental Health Service Utilization: Only 8.6% of Asian Americans with mental health conditions seek treatment, compared to 17.9% of the general population (American Psychiatric Association, 2017).
3. Early Intervention: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Asian American children are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than white children, likely due to cultural stigma and underreporting (CDC, 2020).

Societal and Systemic Barriers

The tendency for Asian American families to hide disability is exacerbated by societal and systemic barriers. In addition to cultural factors, societal and systemic barriers also play a role in the silence surrounding disabilities in the Asian American community. These barriers include:

1. Language Barriers: Many Asian American families face language barriers that make it difficult to access services and advocate for their loved ones. According to the Migration Policy Institute, over 32% of Asian Americans are limited English proficient (Migration Policy Institute, 2018).
2. Lack of Culturally Competent Services: There is a significant lack of culturally competent services available to Asian American families. This means that healthcare providers may not understand the cultural nuances and specific needs of these families, leading to mistrust and underutilization of services.
3. Discrimination and Bias: Asian Americans often face discrimination and bias in healthcare settings, which can deter them from seeking help. A study by the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that Asian Americans reported higher levels of healthcare discrimination compared to other racial groups (Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2019).

Breaking the Silence: Strategies for Change

Addressing the stigma of disability in the Asian American community requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies to help break the silence and empower families:

1. Community Education and Outreach: Increasing awareness and education within the community about disabilities can help reduce stigma. Community organizations can play a crucial role by hosting workshops, seminars, and support groups.
2. Culturally Competent Care: Healthcare providers should receive training in cultural competence to understand better and meet the needs of Asian American families. This includes offering services in multiple languages and being aware of cultural sensitivities.
3. Advocacy and Representation: Encouraging more Asian Americans to enter fields related to disability services and advocacy can help ensure that the community’s needs are represented and addressed. Representation matters, and having advocates who understand the cultural context can make a significant difference.
4. Support Networks: Creating and promoting support networks for families of individuals with disabilities can provide much-needed emotional and practical support. These networks can help families feel less isolated and more empowered to seek help.

Personal Stories: Voices from the Community

Personal stories can be powerful tools for breaking down stigma and encouraging others to speak up. Here are a few examples:

1. Lily’s Story: Lily, a mother of a child with autism, initially felt ashamed to discuss her son’s condition due to cultural stigma. However, after connecting with a local support group, she found the courage to seek early intervention services for her son. Today, she advocates for other Asian American families to break the silence and seek help.
2. David’s Journey: David, a young man with a physical disability, faced discrimination and isolation growing up. Through the support of a mentor who understood his cultural background, David learned to advocate for himself and is now a motivational speaker, encouraging others to embrace their differences.

The Role of Organizations Like 2020 Behavior

Organizations like 2020 Behavior can play a vital role in addressing the stigma that often leads Asian American families to hide disability. By providing culturally competent ABA therapy and other support services, they can help families feel more comfortable seeking help. Additionally, by hosting workshops and training sessions, 2020 Behavior can educate the community about disabilities and reduce stigma.

Conclusion

The stigma of disability in the Asian American community is a complex issue influenced by cultural, societal, and systemic factors. However, by increasing awareness, providing culturally competent care, and fostering support networks, we can help break the silence and empower families to seek the help they need. It is crucial to create an environment where Asian American families feel safe and supported in discussing disabilities, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their loved ones.

2020 Behavior provides ABA services and support for families in the Bay Area. If you are interested in any of our services, please contact us.