# Understanding Disparities: Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Challenges, Supports and Barriers for Immigrant Families in Canada

## TL;DR

Immigrant families in Canada face greater barriers to accessing mental health and neurodevelopmental services for their children, despite higher reported needs.

## Contribution

This study identifies disparities in service access for immigrant versus Canadian-born children with mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders.

## Key findings

- Immigrant parents reported 1.5 times less use of mental health services despite higher child need.
- Canadian parents reported more access to NDD/MH assessments for their children compared to immigrant families.
- Parents of children with NDD/MH concerns reported greater barriers to education, especially among Canadian families.

## Abstract

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and mental health disorders (MH) present significant challenges to Canadian Children. While there is increased awareness, the NDD/MH service needs and barriers to service for immigrant children in Canada are unclear. Therefore, the present study explores NDD and MH problems and management among Canadian children compared to immigrant children. Method: An online survey was administered to eligible participants using AskingCanadians. A total of 682 parents (Mean age = 31.8, SD = 7.4), 41.3% of whom were immigrants, completed the survey. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires related to mental health in general, child MH and NDD service needs, social support and use and barriers to accessing services. Results: Results showed that immigrant participants reported significant underuse of child mental health services (1.5 times less use) despite a higher reported child need. Similarly, a higher frequency of children born to Canadian parents reported accessing NDD/MH assessment referrals compared to immigrant families. Parents of children referred for NDD/MH assessment also reported a higher prevalence of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, parents of children presenting with NDD/MH concerns overall reported a significantly higher impact of barriers to their child’s education compared to parents whose children did not present with NDD/MH concerns. This effect was driven by Canadian parents of children with NDD/MH reporting increased barriers. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of considering cultural background in clinical approaches to MDD/MH services. There is a need to increase awareness and reduce stigma regarding service access. Furthermore, the findings reiterate the ongoing challenges families of children with NDD/MH challenges face in accessing support.