Prevalence of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Among Preschool Children of Migrants and Refugees in High-Income Western Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Neurodevelopment is a dynamic process involving genetic and environmental factors that influence motor, cognitive (e.g., learning, communication), social, adaptive, emotional, and behavioural domains. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of NDDs among preschool children of migrants and refugees in high-income Western countries. Five databases, including Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, were searched for eligible studies from inception until October 1, 2025. Three reviewers independently screened and selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality. We have used Stata to estimate the weighted pooled prevalence of autism from crosssectional and cohort study data using random-effects meta-analysis with (I²/Q>50%) for heterogeneity. Out of 6772 records, nine met the eligibility criteria. Reported prevalence estimates varied across NDDs. Prevalence ranges among migrant/refugee preschoolers were: motor/coordination 4.6–29.8%; speech/language 5.8–18.2%; impaired vision/hearing 19.8% (Boys: 17.1%, Girls: 22.5%); intellectual disability (ID) 0.8–7.4%. The weighted pooled prevalence of autism was 28% (95% CI: 24% - 33%) based on cross-sectional data, with autism co-occurring with intellectual disability ranging from 0.22% to 19.20%. The findings underscore the need for targeted early identification and intervention strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by migrant populations. Moreover, the limited number of studies and data inconsistencies highlight a critical gap in the literature, underscoring the need for further high-quality research to better understand the prevalence and underlying risk factors, thereby informing the development of equitable public health policies and services.