Background: Asian families in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) face unique challenges in understanding and supporting neurodivergent children. Cultural beliefs, systemic barriers, and limited access to culturally appropriate services can affect recognition, diagnosis, and intervention. Research on the neurodiversity paradigm within Asian communities remains scarce; there is a lack of clarity around how these families understand and experience neurodiversity, and how culturally responsive support can be designed and delivered.
Objectives: To map existing literature on neurodivergent conditions among Asian families and communities in NZ, identify experiences, challenges, and support needs, highlight research gaps, and inform culturally responsive research, policy, and practice.
Methods: A PRISMA-ScR compliant review searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO (Ovid), and Google Scholar for English-language studies published between 2006 and 2026, including peer-reviewed and grey literature on Asian populations and neurodivergence in New Zealand. Data were screened, extracted, and synthesised using thematic and tabular analysis.
Results: Eight studies were included in the review, revealing key barriers for Asian families: cultural stigma, limited neurodiversity awareness, language challenges, complex service navigation, and underutilisation of disability support. Cultural values of conformity and family reputation further hindered help-seeking behaviours and early intervention for neurodivergent children.
Discussion: This is the first scoping review to synthesise the literature on neurodivergent experiences among Asian communities in NZ. Findings highlight fragmented, underdeveloped evidence and underscore the need for community-co- developed, culturally responsive support services, as well as Asian-led research to advance equitable, inclusive neurodiversity support for these families.