'I had never heard of autism before' -- The experiences of East African immigrant parents of autistic children in the UK.

This article investigates the experiences of East African immigrant parents (EAIP) living in the UK in understanding autism within their families and communities, their access to support, and their interactions with Educational Psychology (EP) services. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews with eight parents from Eritrea, Somalia, Rwanda, and Sudan, the study identifies four main themes: the initial lack of awareness of autism and the journey to taking action; difficulties explaining autism due to cultural and linguistic gaps; challenges in accessing formal and informal support; and mixed experiences with EP involvement, including unclear understanding of the EP role. The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive psychoeducation, clearer communication about EP services, and improved guidance to help EAIP navigate support systems. Limitations include a small, geographically localized sample and underrepresentation of fathers, with recommendations for further research to broaden understanding and enhance culturally appropriate professional practices.