Parental Experiences Before and After Dialogical Family Guidance in Families With a Child With Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have highlighted the need to offer targeted effective interventions to strengthen the wellbeing of all family members in families with children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Interventions for this target group requires development and research. The purpose of this study was to test a new family intervention (Dialogical Family Guidance / DFG).Method: Fifty families of children with NDD took part in this study. Families were randomized into two groups. Families in Intervention group I were delivered DFG immediately, and families in Intervention group II were delivered DFG after three months. Family functionality, health and support (FAFHES) and DFG intervention parent questionnaires were used to collect data at baseline, and after three and six months. Thirty-four families completed the whole protocol.Results: Intervention group I experienced better family health and family support after DFG compared to baseline, and the experience of increased support remained at the three month follow-up. Intervention group II also experienced better family support after three months compared to baseline, although they were still waiting for DFG to initiate. Intervention group II continued to increase the experience of support throughout DFG. The positive changes were statistically significant concerning the experience of social support.Managing as a parent in daily life and the relationship between parents were associated with family functionality and family health. Most parents` reported that DFG had helped them manage better with their child with NDD, and that they would recommend DFG to other families.Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the DFG intervention may strengthen parent experiences of family support. Managing as a parent in daily life and the relationship between parents was associated with family functionality and family health. DFG parent questionnaire inform that practical guidance, psychoeducation, dialogue with the staff and positive feedback for own parenthood are strengthening factors. Delivering DFG as a family intervention implemented by healthcare staff can be recommended as an additional type of support for families with a child with NDD.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04892992 (retrospective registered)