Asian children and youth with disabilities often experience multiple barriers, stigmas, and discrimination within and outside their families. They are often under-diagnosed, receive lower quality care and suffer from high levels of stress. However, there is limited literature focusing specifically on Asian children and youth with disabilities.

This systematic review explored the experiences of ableism among Asian children with disabilities and their families. Results highlight the persistent negative and discriminative experiences that Asian children with disabilities and their caregivers face and the strong need to develop culturally responsive and safe services for them.

Findings indicate the persistent negative and discriminatory experiences that Asian children and youth with disabilities and their families encounter in everyday life. The review also highlights the need for healthcare service providers to raise awareness of clients’ language and cultural backgrounds and to design and deliver culturally responsive and safe services for patients from diverse ethnic groups.  

Dr. Yiyan Li, Postdoctoral Fellow, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Ms. Sharmigaa Ragunathan, Research Coordinator, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Dr. Kristina Fuentes, Postdoctoral Fellow, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Ms. Shaelynn Hsu, Student, Faculty of Science, York University; Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Dr. Sally Lindsay, Senior Scientist, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto