Whilst
we all demonstrate challenging behaviour at times, particularly during adolescence as we develop a sense of self separate to that of our parents, challenging behaviour as a label which leads to punishment is uniquely applied to those with learning disabilities, and is often their ticket into an Assessment Treatment Unit.
In addition, little knowledge is available on the effect of parenting support programmes delivered to immigrant parents.24 The few studies available have mostly shown little or no improvement in the mental health of immigrant parents25 26 or even poorer outcomes for immigrant families27 and families with low socioeconomic status.28 Scarcity of studies in this area may simply because few immigrant parents participate in such programmes.24 Several studies have reported difficulties in recruiting and retaining immigrant parents in parenting support programmes.29 30 Factors such as belonging to an ethnic minority, low socioeconomic status, practical aspects or experienced alienation and discrimination all contribute to low participation.28 31 Other studies have
demonstrated that low participation and a high dropout rate of immigrant parents are associated with a lack of cultural sensitivity in the intervention, poor information about the parenting programme and lack of trust towards professionals.24 A qualitative study conducted with Somali - born parents in Sweden showed that Somali parents experienced many societal
challenges in the new country and in their parenting
behaviours.