The study, led by Curtin University and published in the World Journal of Paediatrics, analysed outcomes for 59,925 Western Australian children and found culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children faced a 23 per cent higher risk of being behind in at least one developmental domain before they start school.
CALD children had 37 per cent greater odds in language and school-based cognitive skills.
‘Developmental vulnerability’ refers to the risk of a child not reaching their full developmental potential in critical areas necessary for success in school and later life, the paper explains.
“This includes delays or difficulties in emotional maturity, social competence, cognitive skills, language acquisition, physical health and communication skills.
“Children with developmental vulnerability may struggle with learning, social interactions, and overall well-being,” it suggests.
“Understanding the disparities in early childhood developmental vulnerability among children is crucial, as it is a key indicator of future school success.”
Lead author and PhD student Kendalem Atalell, from the Curtin School of Population Health, says the findings highlight a critical gap in early education and the urgent need for inclusive and targeted support.
“We know that people from CALD backgrounds living in Australia experience significant language barriers, economic hardship, housing instability and limited access to essential resources – all of which could be negatively associated with a child’s early development and wellbeing,” Atalell says.
“Our research shows these children are falling behind before they even walk into a classroom – with approximately one in four CALD children facing challenges in at least one developmental domain including social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language.”
The paper, also co-authored by researchers from Torrens University Australia and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, described how language barriers may hinder communication and learning, whereas cultural differences may lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty adapting to new environments.
“Economic disadvantages and housing instability further complicate their lives, limiting access to essential resources and contributing to stress,” it reads.
“Additionally, limited access to healthcare and the stress of resettlement can negatively impact physical and mental health, contributing to early childhood developmental vulnerability.”
The findings are consistent with those of previous studies, indicating persistent challenges faced by CALD children.
The studies have shown that children from CALD backgrounds experience poorer mental health outcomes at school entry than their Australian-born, English-speaking peers do.
To help reduce developmental disparities and promote long-term educational outcomes, earlier intervention is required according to Atalell.
“That means designing more inclusive policies, strengthening early childhood programs and giving all children fair access to support so every child can start school ready to succeed,” she says.
Senior author Associate Professor Gizachew Tessema, also from the Curtin School of Population Health, says Australia’s cultural and linguistic diversity needs to be reflected in how we support children in their early years.
“Government, teachers and health professionals all need to understand the heightened risks these children face,” Tessema adds.
“By working together we can bridge early learning gaps and improve CALD student outcomes in the WA schooling system.
“Given the disparities within the CALD community, future research should aim to identify specific population and cultural subgroups at increased risk of developmental vulnerability to inform the design of targeted and culturally tailored interventions.”
Interestingly, the study revealed that children from CALD backgrounds presented lower developmental vulnerability in the physical health and wellbeing domains.
This, the paper explains, may be attributed to cultural practices emphasising physical care, nutrition, and preventive health measures, which contribute to better health outcomes.
According to the 2021 Australia Population and Housing Census, more than half of Australian residents were either born overseas or had parents who were born overseas, contributing to a broad range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The full paper titled, ‘Developmental vulnerability in children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Western Australia: a population-based study,’ can be read here.
