Family Supports and Services in Early Intervention: A Bold Vision

Abstract

This article utilizes four knowledge sources to characterize a current gap in policy and practice related to serving families in early intervention (birth to 5) programs. It argues that the field of early intervention has focused primarily on implementing family-centered practices by focusing on how families and professionals should interact. The field has not sufficiently addressed what supports and services should be offered to families to enhance the likelihood of positive outcomes for families themselves and for their children with disabilities. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing policy, research, and professional development related to family services and supports.

Parental Perceptions of Family Centered Care in Medical Homes of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“…Research shows that various barriers have been identified in implementation [27,28]. Gaps have been uncovered between families' beliefs and the actual services received [29,30], including differences on care practices [31], professional insensitivity [32,33], and parental dissatisfaction with health care [34,35]. Parents' health concerns for CNDD also differ significantly from routinely addressed concerns during well-health visits [36].…”

Families of Young Children With Autism

“…Efforts to develop a partnership with families and put in place an ecological perspective (Turnbull et al, 2007;Bloch Weinstein, & Seitz, 2005b) are a critical professional responsibility. The tasks are many; however, an overriding emphasis should be placed on a collaboration process that is compatible with a particular family's lifestyle; one that increases their ability and promotes competence.…”

Metanoia en Atención Temprana: Transformación a un Enfoque Centrado en la Familia

“…Los ecomapas son particularmente importantes para mostrar apoyos informales, sin embargo la atención temprana está casi siempre focalizada en los apoyos formales -qué servicios podemos asignar a una necesidad (Trivette et al, 1997;Turnbull et al, 2007). El tamaño de la red informal no necesariamente indica más apoyo.…”

“…Ser amable con las familias parece ser algo natural en las intervenciones tempranas y en el asesoramiento familiar en atención temprana (McWilliam et al, 1995), y esto, en efecto, es necesario, pero es insuficiente. En los Estados Unidos la ley de atención temprana (Acta de Educación para Personas con Discapacidades, 2004), recoge la necesidad de proveer servicios de capacitación y asesoramiento familiar (Turnbull et al, 2007). Estos servicios, sin embargo, no son la cuestión.…”