I am also Somali, attending one the fine universities in MN. I see a lot of discussions going on in here and I am glad that most of these are positive and from concerning fellow humans. First off, I was shocked when I heard the news of the raising rate of Autism among Somalis in Minnesota. There are many factors why these studies show that Somalis in MN have the highest rate of Autism. First, we have to consider “cultural differences”. Somali culture is far different from Western Culture and people find it weird even teachers, doctors and a like. Therefore, before diagnosing a child with a disorder, doctors need to be sensitive to cultural differences. That I believe is an important step and the way to make sure that a child is not mistakenly diagnosed with a disorder they don’t have, is to have doctors, psychologists and professions that understand the culture. This means that its fair to consult with Somali doctors/students that care this matter.

If Somali children in Minnesota has this type of disorder, then that alone tells that it has to do a lot with environmental causes. There are thousands of Somali across the Globe, in places like Canada, Holland, Norway, Uk, Denmark. We have to ask ourselves why this is only happening in MN and in Sweden. There has to be some sort of chemical that these people enter counter with that causes this.

I’m only suggesting that we all look into this matter with a an open minded heart and mind, to further our research and have the Somali Community take part in the massive researches going on in this matter. Somali Community in Mn have doctors, Lawyers, Social works and anyone that can help. There’s a saying that says, “send a thieve to caught a thieve”, Our doctors and Students can help a great deal, so let us participate. Let’s all help each other, let’s have understanding and respect for one another.

God Bless

One Somali-born woman was so alarmed by the number of Somali children in her son’s autism class that she started calling politicians, news organizations and state officials to call attention to the issue. Yet because of cultural stigmas, she has kept her son’s autism a secret from relatives.

“Not only is it high among us here, but we Somalis don’t accept this disorder,” said the woman, who asked not to be identified.

Hope your daughters are doing well. Are there any efforts with the education system to reach out to the Somali community and is there are, what do you think of these—not really helpful, not sufficiently understanding of the situation for Somali families? (Hope these questions are all right to ask.)