PARENT EXPECTATIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THEIR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN

Abstract

Sixty-six parents of children who were diagnosed within the first two years of life as having some type of physical or mental disability or developmental delay were interviews to ascertain the needs and expectations these parents desired for professionals who provided ongoing services to the children. The children were under six years of age and were enrolled in various infant development programs in the Southern California area. Several sources of variance affecting the expectations were explored. Results revealed that parents of young handicapped children has specific needs and expectations for professionals and that these were given certain priorities. Although the parents tended to agree on the priority of needs and expectation, there were some differences among the ranking of items based on specific traits of parent and children.