Parental perspectives on successful parent education and behavioral intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Literature suggests that although behavioral therapy is an effective means of intervention for children with disabilities, family participation in these programs is often lacking. Several barriers exist to meaningful parent education and parent-professional partnerships, which can lead to lower quality outcomes for both the individual with a disability and their families. These barriers should be identified and addressed. This study used a survey measure to gather quantitative and qualitative information on parental perceptions of barriers to behavioral parent education and training as well as suggestions for creating a stronger family-professional partnership. Common themes that emerged from the analysis include: a need for open and honest communication, the importance of a professional’s training and experience in the field, and the availability of services. Knowledge of the barriers which exist in behavior parent training will allow providers to better serve families and ensure a stronger outcome of service. Implications for both research and practice are discussed.