RPTF

Early intervention in cerebral palsy associations in Portugal: Percepcions of parents, professional and administrators

 

Fátima Maia | Ana Maria Serrano

 

ABSTRACT:

This article presents some results of a national study, developed in almost all Cerebral Palsy Associations in Portugal, integrating perceptions of parents, professionals and administrators, about some aspects of Early Intervention services provided by these and institutions that are related to currently recommended practices: Articulation with Other Services, Intervention in Child`s Life Contexts, Family Involvement as an Intervention Partner and Professionals Training. The goal of the study was to identify the perceptions of these three groups, regarding the degree of importance and degree of frequency of these aspects, understanding their value and recognition as well as finding useful indicators for the development of best practices in Early Intervention at Cerebral Palsy Associations in Portugal. Questionnaires were developed specifically for the study, safeguarding all ethical issues in their application. The results indicated a very positive recognition of the importance of the various aspects and the frequency pointed at the same was also significant, although less. The perceptions of the three groups showed the difference between what is designed and what is actually done. Several aspects of the results were discussed as well as the implications of our analysis as reflective contribution to improving the quality of support provided in these institutions.

 

KEYWORDS: Early intervention, Cerebral palsy, Perceptions about the support provided