Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an evolving concept in the neurodiversity community.
There is now a continuum of views ranging from biological through social models of which
the medical model views ASD as pathological rather than atypical and the social model views
disability as arising from the obstacles faced by individuals in societies. This qualitative study
used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to
interrogate evidence on variations in social identity among youths with ASD living in Africa.1
Seventeen studies were reviewed from twelve databases. Inclusion criteria were studies on
ASD in Africa published in English between 2019–2024. Data were thematically analysed
following a single approach. Results organised by themes indicated that youths with ASD in
Africa: (1) were stigmatised and discriminated (2) have limited access to resources (3) are
socially excluded and (4) have low self-esteem. The study’s findings suggest that ASD in
Africa still holds more of a negative identity.
Transdisciplinary contribution: The use of different studies in this study allowed
integration of views, methods and information from a variety of disciplines. A detailed
understanding of how youth with ASD aged 12 years–35 years negotiate their social
situations and establish identities across varied in their cultural contexts is made possible
by this comprehensive approach. This also facilitated the identification of research gaps
and advocates for comprehensive interventions that acknowledge the distinct social
realities faced by African youths with ASD.