International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Volume 15, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 239-259

Access Barriers to Services by Immigrant Mothers of Children with Autism in Canada (Article) (Open Access)

Khanlou N.* , Haque N. , Mustafa N. , Vazquez L.M. , Mantini A. , Weiss J.
  • a Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, York University, HNES 3rd floor, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
  • b Critical Care Service Ontario, LuCliff Place, 700 Bay St, Suite 1400, Toronto, Canada
  • c Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, York University, HNES 3rd floor, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
  • d Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, York University, HNES 3rd floor, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
  • e Centre for Research on Inner City Health, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1 W8, Canada
  • f Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, York University, HNES 3rd floor, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada

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. © 2017, The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Social support Immigrant Autism Mothers disabilities Canada

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85009820279&doi=10.1007%2fs11469-017-9732-4&partnerID=40&md5=62c8bb833854404ef3643e9d70fb6f13
DOI: 10.1007/s11469-017-9732-4
ISSN: 15571874
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English