Parental Perceptions Influencing the Utilization of Early Intervention Services in Children with Developmental Delay

摘要

Introduction : Early intervention services play a pivotal role in the management of children with developmental delays but the utilization of these is quite low. This study aims to explore the influence of parental perceptions on the utilization of these services. Material and Methods: This is a hospital based qualitative study of 31 parents having children with developmental delay in 2 or more domains who presented for the first time for diagnostic evaluation. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in the interviews, exploring various aspects of parental perceptions regarding the child’s disability and the services required for them. Results: Apart from factors like educational and socioeconomic status of parents, accessibility of the services there are other factors involved at the level of parents which influence their readiness and motivation to utilize a service, viz understanding of the total spectrum of a child’s disability by parents and how well their child care needs are fulfilled. Conclusion: The parents’ long term motivation for utilizing the services depends upon how well their idea of a futuristic goal for their child is being addressed.