A CROSS-CULTURAL LENS ON NEURODIVERSITY: COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, STIGMA, AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS IN NON-WESTERN CONTEXTS
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The global neurodiversity discourse is dominated by Western-centric medical models. This “WEIRD” (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) bias creates a profound cultural mismatch, risking the imposition of inappropriate diagnostic labels, exacerbation of stigma, and the erasure of functional, indigenous knowledge systems in non-Western contexts. This study aimed to decolonize this discourse by conducting a comparative, emic (insider-driven) analysis of community perceptions, stigma manifestations, and informal support systems for neurodiversity in three distinct non-Western sites. A multi-sited, critical ethnographic case study was conducted in Kyoto (Japan), Accra (Ghana), and Cusco (Peru). Data were gathered via 112 semi-structured interviews with caregivers, community leaders, and practitioners, supplemented by participant-observation. reveal a fundamental divergence. The Kyoto site showed a “hybrid” Medical/Social model creating “compounded, internalized stigma” (familial shame). Conversely, the Accra and Cusco sites were dominated by a Spiritual/Metaphysical model which, while creating “projected stigma” (social “othering”), also enabled a holistic, non-pathologizing, informal support system, exemplified by Cusco’s “valued role” concept. Stigma is not a monolith but is contingent upon local explanatory models. The uncritical export of Western medical frameworks can fracture existing, functional indigenous support systems. These systems must be recognized as valid, asset-based models to co-design culturally-syntonic support.
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