Barriers faced by immigrant families of children with autism: A program to address the challenges

Sritharan, Biruntha; Koola, Maju Mathew

doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2018.11.017

Cited by 41 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…To our knowledge, in Europe only one study in the Netherlands has explored this research question; the authors concluded that the immigrant sample did not differ in age at ASD diagnosis from the non-immigrant sample [ 43 ]. The following specific factors related to the age at ASD diagnosis in children from immigrant families have been reported [ 44 ]: firstly, a lack of knowledge of the host country language can restrict access to ASD awareness campaigns and education about ASD [ 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ]. In addition, culture-related differences, such as parental feelings of shame and guilt related to child disability, have been described between families of children with developmental disabilities and the values and expectations of service providers [ 48 , 49 , 50 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Explaining Age at Autism Spectrum Diagnosis in Children with Migrant and Non-Migrant Background in Austria

et al. 2020

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This study explored (i) differences in age at Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis between children with and without a migrant background in the main diagnostic centre for ASD in Upper Austria (ii) factors related to the age at diagnosis and (iii) whether specific factors differed between the two groups. A retrospective chart analysis included all children who received their first diagnosis before the age of 10 years (n = 211) between 2013 and 2018. Children with a migrant background were diagnosed 13 months earlier than those without (r = 0.278, p < 0.001), and had more severe delays in language, more severe autism, no Asperger’s syndrome, lower parental educational level and more frequent referrals by paediatricians. For the total sample, expressive language delay, severity of restricted and repetitive behaviours, higher nonverbal development, and paediatric referrals explained earlier diagnoses. There was a stronger effect of parental education and weaker effect of language impairment on age at ASD diagnosis in children with a migrant background. In conclusion, no delay in diagnosing ASD in children with a migrant background in a country with universal health care and an established system of paediatric developmental surveillance was found. Awareness of ASD, including Asperger’s syndrome, should be raised among families and healthcare professionals.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Explaining Age at Autism Spectrum Diagnosis in Children with Migrant and Non-Migrant Background in Austria

et al. 2020

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“…More studies are required in order to gain further understanding of immigrant parents' perceptions of early assessment and intervention for children with ASD. The need for individualized assessment and intervention is recognized, as can be seen with the Canadian program described by Sritharan and Koola,52 which, like the intervention program described in the present study, offers a culturally sensitive intervention program to immigrant families of children with ASD.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

<p>Experiences Of Immigrant Parents In Sweden Participating In A Community Assessment And Intervention Program For Preschool Children With Autism</p>

Nilses

Jingrot

Linnsand³

et al. 2019

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BackgroundBarriers inherent in service systems for autism can hinder parents from getting help for their children, and this is probably especially true for immigrant parents. In order to provide accessible assessment and interventions for preschool children with autism, a multidisciplinary team was established in one district of a Swedish city, with a majority population of immigrants.AimThe aim of the present study was to gain knowledge of the parents' experiences of participating in the community assessment and intervention program.Methods and proceduresA qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted with parents of 11 children aged 3–5, who had been diagnosed with autism and participated in the community intervention program for at least 1 year. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed following a phenomenological hermeneutical method.ResultsThe overall meaning of the parents' narratives was interpreted as “A new way of understanding my child made life more hopeful and more challenging than before”. Their experience was interpreted as a process, captured in the three main themes: ”An overwhelming diagnosis”, “Cooperating with the team”, and “Growing as a parent”.ConclusionAs lacking knowledge of available resources and support seems to be an important barrier to access services, the results underscore the importance of providing individually tailored services including comprehensive societal support to immigrant families with young children suffering from autism. The study also highlights the importance of addressing the parents' previous awareness and knowledge of autism early in the assessment process, as well as continually involving parents in the intervention program, and this may enhance parental growth.

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“…Somali parents in Britain correctly identified clinical vignettes of children with autism, but had difficulties recognizing other developmental problems, which they misclassified sometimes as ASD-like symptoms (129). Indian parents may be first concerned by social difficulties, whereas US parents notice first delays in language and general development (11). Ethnic differences in reporting were also found when considering ADHD, suggesting that immigrant parents may be less likely to identify symptoms of ADHD in their children.…”

Section: Barriers To the Detection Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Hmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…For example, studies suggest that the likelihood that parents attribute certain behaviors to a medical condition differs across ethnic groups (125). Some behaviors typical of ASD, such as avoiding eye contact, may be perceived as a way of expressing respect toward authority figures rather than a sign of atypical development in some Asian cultures (11,118,125). Likewise, the extent to which children engage in imaginative play differs across cultural groups (125).…”

Section: Barriers To the Detection Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Hmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, and specific learning disabilities, have been studied less frequently and results are less consistent, with some studies reporting higher risks and others reporting lower or equal risks (5)(6)(7)(8). Some evidence suggests that children of immigrants may face delays in diagnosis and increased difficulties in accessing appropriate health care (9)(10)(11). Especially in relation to ASD this is very concerning, as children of immigrants may be at risk of missing early interventions, which have been shown to be highly beneficial in terms of clinical prognosis (12).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Autism Spectrum and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children of Immigrants: A Brief Review of Current Evidence and Implications for Clinical Practice

et al. 2021

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Children of immigrants may have higher neurodevelopmental risks than those of non-immigrant populations. Yet, some evidence suggests that this group may receive late diagnosis, and therefore miss beneficial early interventions. Clinicians may misattribute symptoms of disorders to other social, behavioral or language problems. Likewise, there might be cultural differences in parents' likelihood of perceiving or reporting first developmental concerns to clinicians. Population-based standardized screening may play an important role in addressing ethnic inequalities in the age at diagnosis, although further research focusing on cross-cultural use is necessary. Once children are diagnosed, clinicians may rely on culturally sensitive procedures (translation services, cultural mediators) to increase the accessibility of interventions and improve adherence among immigrant families. In this brief review, we provide an overview about what is currently known about the epidemiology and risk factors of neurodevelopmental disorders, paying special attention to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in children of immigrants and suggest the necessity of population-based screening and culturally sensitive care.

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Barriers faced by immigrant families of children with autism: A program to address the challenges

Cited by 41 publications

References 28 publications

Explaining Age at Autism Spectrum Diagnosis in Children with Migrant and Non-Migrant Background in Austria

Explaining Age at Autism Spectrum Diagnosis in Children with Migrant and Non-Migrant Background in Austria

<p>Experiences Of Immigrant Parents In Sweden Participating In A Community Assessment And Intervention Program For Preschool Children With Autism</p>

Autism Spectrum and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children of Immigrants: A Brief Review of Current Evidence and Implications for Clinical Practice

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