| dc.description.abstract | Parental involvement is essential for the effectiveness of the child’s treatment for
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Unfortunately, no studies have investigated
parents’ wishes and experiences regarding their involvement. This study assessed differences
in parents’ experiences and wishes regarding their involvement in their child’s treatment for
DLD, through a survey and semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using a
Thematic Network Analysis to give meaning to and identify parental factors. Parents were
currently involved in observation of therapy sessions, completing home practice and goal
selection, however, more parents wished they were involved in goal selection. Most parents
learned to stimulate the child’s language and received instructions to complete home practice,
but they also wished to learn more about how to change their own language. Four global
themes (capability to help the child, responsive to the child’s treatment needs, being involved
and taking initiative to help the child, emotional impact of the child’s disorder) of parental
factors were identified and differentiate parents in their involvement. This study gives
interpretation to parents’ role in the child’s treatment and provides Speech and Language
Therapists (SLT) with tools to negotiate roles with parents. | |
