Effects of an Infant Stimulation Program on the Child and the Family

Abstract

A follow-up study of the graduates of an infant stimulation program was conducted in order to determine (1) the subsequent educational placements of the children, (2) the subsequent medical histories of the children, and (3) the parents' perceptions concerning the efficacy of the early intervention program. Forty-two primary caregivers of graduates of an infant stimulation program were intervlewed by means of an orally administered questionnaire. Question categories included medical and educational diagnoses and history, parents' perceptions of the child's effect on the family, the degree to which family members were involved in the program, and an open-ended question designed to explore the parents' feelings about their life with their handicapped child. Results indicated that children's medical diagnoses tended to be serious, ranging from Down syndrome to brain damage, and approximately two-thirds of the children remained in some kind of special education program full-time. About 20% were mainstreamed, and another 15% were placed in regular classrooms full-time. Parents generally were very positive about their infant's participation in the stimulation program. Mothers were involved in the program to a significantly greater extent than fathers.

Perceived Changes in Self-Image and Coping Strategies of Mothers of Children with Disabilities

“…Daily caregiver tasks including bathing and dressing may become even more difficult and time consuming as the child grows older (Turnbull & Turnbull, 1990). Studies describing the time use of mothers caring for children with disabilities suggest that the women may be prevented from doing other activities such as family outings or household tasks (Harris & McHale, 1989;Widerstrom & Goodwin, 1987). Time for sleep may also be compromised (Crowe, Clarke, & Qualls, 1996;Herman & Thompson, 1995).…”

Outcomes of an Occupational Therapy Program for Mothers of Children With Disabilities: Impact on Satisfaction With Time Use and Occupational Performance

“…M aternal work is time and energy intensive, and the demands are part i c u l a r l y g reat if the child has a disability (Barnett & Boyce, 1995;Breslau, 1988; Ei s n e r, 1993). Mothers caring for children with disabilities spend more time engaged in child care activities than mothers of children without disabilities ( Crowe, 1993;Harris & Mc Hale, 1989;Johnson & Deitz, 1985), and they often a re pre vented from doing other discre t i o n a ry occupations (Breslau, Sa l k e ve r, & St a ruch, 1982;Cant, 1993;Crowe, 1993;Crowe, VanLeit, Berghmans, & Ma n n , 1997; Wi d e r s t rom & Goodwin, 1987).…”

Parents of Babies with Severe Handicaps: Concerns About Early Intervention

“…Families who have had the opportunity to enroll their handicapped babies in early intervention programs have expressed, in retrospective reports, great appreciation for the positive changes in their children and for a sense of life being easier (Widerstrom & Goodwin, 1987).…”