Whose job is it? Parents' concerns about the needs of their children with language problems

This study examined the perspectives of parents of children with specific speech and language difficulties in the United Kingdom and described the issues they raised when considering provision to meet their children's needs. The study used a mixed-methods approach. Data from interviews were analyzed using a computer-based qualitative interview analysis method (ATLAS/ti; Muhr, 1997), with reference to evidence from a parent-completed rating scale and assessments of the children's language and educational development. The issues generated by the analyses were considered in relation to whether the child attended mainstream or special school. Results are discussed in the context of current educational policies for inclusive education and parental participation in meeting children's educational and social needs.