Ethnic variation in service utilisation among children with intellectual disability

This study examined whether service utilisation among children with intellectual disability (ID) varied by ethnic cultural group.

Survey carried out in four special schools in London. Information was provided by school teachers using case files, and 242 children aged 7 to 17 years with mild and moderate ID were identified. Ethnic categories were derived from self-reported main categories. Service utilisation categorised as use of: child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), social services, physical health and education services.

Child and adolescent mental health services uptake was lower for South Asians than for White British (P = 0.0487). There were statistically significant differences among ethnic groups for community-based social services uptake (being the highest for the Black groups and the lowest for South Asians, P = 0.015) and respite care uptake (being the highest for the Black and White European groups and the lowest for South Asians, P = 0.009). In regression analysis family structure predicted CAMHS service utilisation and social service community support. Ethnicity predicted use of respite care.

Significant ethnic differences in service utilisation among children with ID were found for both CAMHS and social service contact. There was particularly low service use for the South Asian group. These differences might arise because of differences in family organisation, as more South Asian children lived in two-parent families, which may have been better able to provide care than single-parent families. Other factors such as variation in parental belief systems and variation in psychopathology may be relevant. Implications are discussed.