Approach to developmental disabilities in newcomer families.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a framework for primary care providers to approach developmental disabilities in both refugee and nonrefugee immigrant populations. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Ovid MEDLINE was searched from January 2005 to February 2017 using subject headings developmental disability, developmental delay, refugee, and immigrant for relevant English-language articles. Most of the content and recommendations in this review are derived from the Canadian Paediatric Society's Caring for Kids New to Canada website. MAIN MESSAGE: As family physicians, it can be daunting to care for newcomer families who arrive without previous developmental disability or delay screening and diagnoses. Disruption to families and education, decreased health literacy, witnessed traumatic events, and culturally specific barriers can affect the presentation of developmental concerns among refugees and immigrants. Surveillance and screening for developmental concerns in a culturally sensitive manner using evidence-based tools are cornerstones of early intervention.
CONCLUSION: For refugees in particular, in light of the inequities they have faced before migration and during their migration trajectory, screening for developmental disabilities and intervening provides an opportunity to help achieve equitable outcomes for refugee children and optimize their health and well-being. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.