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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 2/2017

Open Access 01-04-2017 | Original Article

Access Barriers to Services by Immigrant Mothers of Children with Autism in Canada

Authors: Nazilla Khanlou, Nasim Haque, Nida Mustafa, Luz Maria Vazquez, Anne Mantini, Jonathan Weiss

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Equal access for autism services remains suboptimal for diverse groups. In Canada, little is known about the barriers immigrant mothers face accessing services and support for their children with developmental disabilities. In this qualitative study, 21 immigrant mothers of children with Autism, from a diverse ethno cultural background, were interviewed in Toronto, Canada. We apply House’s (1981) four domains of social support to analyze findings. Structural support challenges, such as delays in diagnosis, fragmented and dispersed services were common, followed by instrumental challenges due to loss of social ties and stigma. Lack of expected support from partners, and negative perceptions of services, were identified as emotional and perceptive challenges. Focused attention is required to address inequalities within the context of current access pathways for autism.
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Metadata
Title
Access Barriers to Services by Immigrant Mothers of Children with Autism in Canada
Authors
Nazilla Khanlou
Nasim Haque
Nida Mustafa
Luz Maria Vazquez
Anne Mantini
Jonathan Weiss
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9732-4

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