EARLY INTERVENTION EXPERIENCES OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Early intervention as a mode of support to children and families in early years of a child's life is aimed at enhancing the child's development. In addition to being focused on the child, early intervention also functions as a support to family members. The aim of this paper is to explore experiences of parents of children with developmental disabilities with the early intervention process. The conducted qualitative research included parents of children with developmental disabilities (N=13). Research results indicate which areas parents see as important for a successful early intervention and they include an interdisciplinary approach, competence and motivation of professionals and cooperation with families. Parents have identified the following disadvantages within the system: the lack of timely support and information, unprofessionalism and organisational difficulties. Parents describe social work in early intervention through experiences marked with parents' dissatisfaction with obtained information, i.e. relationship with professionals and the organisation of work. However, parents recognise the importance of the involvement of social work in the early intervention system and they describe the role of social workers as coordinators of the early support, providers of information and counsellors. Obtained findings may serve as guidelines for improving the existing early intervention system and for actualisation of the social work profession, the active participation of which can contribute to the improvement of early intervention for children and families.