Early Childhood Intervention Research Articles

Short-Term Powered Mobility Intervention is Associated With Improvements in Development and Participation for Young Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 short-term powered mobility interventions across developmental domains, participation, and perceptions of intervention implementation for young children with cerebral palsy and their families. This randomized, crossover clinical trial compared 2 powered mobility interventions: the Explorer Mini (Permobil AB, Timra, Sweden) and an adapted ride-on toy car. Analyses included 24 children aged 12 to 36months, recruited from 3 sites. Each device was trialed in the home for an 8-week period for a total of 16weeks. Three in-person study visits took place at baseline, crossover, and study completion, and 2 additional virtual check-ins were conducted for each device trial period. Outcome measures included all domains of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition (Bayley-4); Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) participation questionnaire; and t3 perceptual implementation measures: Acceptability of Intervention Measure, Intervention Appropriateness Measure, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Analyses included descriptive statistics, 2 by 3 group × time analysis of variance, and post hoc t tests as warranted. Statistically significant mean improvements were observed in all domains of the Bayley-4 and in the self-care subscale of the CEDL regardless of device order. Caregivers ranked both devices as acceptable and feasible to implement, although the Explorer Mini was ranked slightly more favorably than the adapted ride-on toy car, with a device order effect being observed. Short-term powered mobility intervention may advance multiple domains of development and participation for young children with cerebral palsy. Caregivers rated 2 different powered mobility devices favorably as part of their child's early intervention strategies. This study enhances the quality of evidence available to clinicians and families to support decision-making about powered mobility intervention for young children with motor disabilities, especially those who may be reluctant to begin powered mobility due to stigma or concern for motor skill development.

Assessing the Impact of Early Childhood Intervention Programs on Obesity Prevention: A comparative study

Background: Childhood obesity is a major global health concern with long-term implications. Early intervention programs (EIPs) have been developed to address this problem, emphasizing nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change. However, the comparative effectiveness of different types of EIPs remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of several EIPs to reduce Body Mass Index (BMI), improve dietary habits, and increase physical activity among children 4 to 12 years of age. Methods: This comparative study was conducted in schools and pediatric clinics in Lahore, Pakistan from February 2023 to June 2024. The current study included 550 children diagnosed with obesity who were selected using stratified random sampling. Participants had different types of EIPs including nutrition education, physical activities and behavioral counseling. Data on BMI, dietary habits and physical activity were collected before and after the interventions. SPSS version 27.0 was employed, Paired t tests, ANOVA and logistic regression were used to control for confounding variables, such as age and socioeconomic status. Results: Mean BMI was significantly reduced in all groups and had the largest reductions in programs exceeding 16 weeks (mean reduction of 1.4 units, p<0.001). Change in behavioral included increased fruit and vegetable intake (from 38% to 74%, p < 0.01) and reduced sugary beverage uptake (from 58% to 35%, p < 0.01). Program duration and parental involvement were significant predictors of success. Conclusions: Early intervention programs effectively reduce obesity metrics among children, with longer duration and parental involvement being key factors for success. These findings highlight the need for sustained, comprehensive programs to combat childhood obesity.

Sharing the motherload: A review and development of the CO-Parent conceptual model for early childhood obesity prevention.

Fathers remain under-represented in early childhood obesity prevention research and interventions, despite growing evidence that paternal biopsychosocial factors and behaviors from pre- and post-conception can influence lifelong offspring health. Informed by a literature review of high-quality evidence, "CO-Parent" (childhood obesity-Parent) is a new conceptual model underpinned by couple interdependence theory and a socioecological framework. Literature was searched for the concepts parental AND weight-related behaviors AND child weight or weight-related behaviors, in databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health, Scopus, and SocINDEX. Prior evidence syntheses were prioritized as source data to inform model development. "CO-Parent" illustrates the interdependent and independent effects of maternal and paternal weight, weight-related behaviors, and well-being, across preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years on child weight-related behaviors and weight up to age five. The influences of public policy, social, environmental, economic, community, and other complex modifiable mediating factors are included in the model. The "CO-Parent" conceptual model paves the way for a paradigm shift by recognizing fathers as key figures in early childhood obesity prevention initiatives, encouraging them to "share the motherload." It highlights both the independent and interdependent roles fathers play in the epidemiology of obesity starting from preconception. CO-Parent also provides the foundations necessary to guide future theory and research to be more inclusive of fathers to further understanding of the independent and interdependent influences of parents in early childhood obesity prevention.

Overcoming the streetlight effect: Shining light on the foundations of learning and development in early childhood.

Developmental theory has long emphasized a range of skills that young children need for healthy development across the life course. Nevertheless, most evaluations of early childhood programs and policies have focused on measuring a somewhat limited set of competencies. In this article, we explore this "streetlight effect" in early childhood intervention research and propose an initial set of skills that we argue should be prioritized alongside traditionally measured outcomes as targets of intervention during the preschool period (i.e., between ages 3 and 5 years). These skills, which we call the foundations of learning and development (FOLD) skills, include both well-studied and emerging constructs such as curiosity, creativity, self-regulation and executive function, critical thinking, perspective taking, and internal representations of self. To better understand FOLD skills' potential as more practical, effective, and inclusive targets of early childhood programs and policies, we review research regarding each skill's malleability, measurability, predictive validity, and universality. We end with a set of future directions for the field, including the need to (a) formulate a more inclusive taxonomy of FOLD skills that incorporates currently omitted competencies relevant to marginalized populations, (b) measure these skills in scalable and actionable ways, and (c) enhance or modify intervention strategies to optimize the development of these FOLD skills in the preschool period. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Identification of psychosocially stressed families by practice pediatricians : Results on the effectiveness of the PATH (Pediatric Attention To Help) intervention

In Germany, about afifth of families with young children live under psychosocially stressful conditions that can threaten the healthy development of the child. In order to improve the referral of these families from pediatric practices to early childhood intervention services ("Frühe Hilfen"), the PATH intervention was developed and implemented in Baden-Württemberg. The first step in the referral process is to identify psychosocially stressed families. This study investigated whether the PATH intervention increases the proportion of identified families with psychosocial stress by pediatricians. In aquasi-experimental study, atotal of 293 psychosocially stressed families who were cared for by 29pediatricians from established pediatric practices were examined. The intervention group (IG) consisted of families with pediatricians from Baden-Württemberg who took part in the PATH intervention. The control group (CG) consisted of families with pediatricians from Bavaria who did not take part in the PATH intervention. Additional qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 10pediatricians from the IG and 20families from the IG with psychosocial stress. Asignificantly higher proportion of psychosocially stressed families was identified in the IG than in the CG. The difference was about 20percentage points and was similar regardless of the family's level of stress. The results show that the PATH intervention improves the identification of psychosocially stressed families by pediatricians. This improved identification of psychosocially stressed families is an important prerequisite for referring families to tailored early childhood intervention services such as those provided by the "Frühe Hilfen".

Examining the Relation Between Telehealth Experiences in Early Intervention and Rurality Among Families of Young Children With Developmental Disabilities

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) governs the Early Intervention (EI) system for families of children aged zero to three with developmental delays and disabilities. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states offer telehealth as a way for families to receive their EI services. Given the limited EI providers in rural areas, it seems that telehealth may especially help rural families to access EI services. However, little research has been done in relation to family use and satisfaction with telehealth in relation to rurality. To this end, we conducted a statewide survey of 256 families of children in EI about their use of EI services via telehealth. There was a negative correlation between family satisfaction with telehealth and rurality, with rural families being more dissatisfied with telehealth. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Early Childhood Intervention under the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme: Characteristics and Recruitment Practices of Service Providers

AbstractThe National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) constitutes a major policy reform for Australian people with disabilities. Despite its ten-year implementation, little is known about the characteristics of the workforce delivering Australia’s NDIS early childhood intervention services (ECI). The present study sought to identify the range of skills, knowledge, and experience of ECI professionals as listed in recruitment advertisements, and their alignment with best practice guidelines. Provider data were extracted from 246 advertisements for ECI roles over a 5-month period and assigned into various categories. Interrater reliability was determined by randomly selecting 65 of the 246 of the advertisements, which were coded independently by two researchers and assigned to service provider categories. Significant changes have occurred in the qualities of professionals providing ECI services under the NDIS, and their adherence to best practice guidelines. The limited emphasis on best practice in the recruitment process may result in an ECI workforce that is not well equipped to deliver specialised and inclusive support to young children with disabilities and their families.

Early childhood intervention and children's health development : Exemplary findings and methodological challenges in the use of the school entry examination

Early childhood intervention is intended to systematically network and customise support services, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged families. The programmes are universal or selective, but the evidence on their effectiveness is limited. The aims of this study were to exemplary analyse whether participants in early childhood intervention services had better development than non-participants using the school entry examination (SEE) as well as to discuss to what extent the SEE can be used to assess the impact of early childhood intervention services. We analysed three typical offers of early childhood intervention services (family education; Zukunft für Kinder (ZfK); Kita-U) in relation to full vaccination coverage and age-appropriate development at U9. Data from 4579 Düsseldorf first graders were included. Propensity score matching was used to calculate percentage differences (average treatment effect on the treated; ATT) in terms of immunisation coverage and development between comparable intervention and control groups. All programmes are associated with aslightly increased probability of full vaccination protection (ATT2.1 for family education; 2.5 for ZfK; 5.3 for Kita-U). Family education is also associated with aslightly higher probability of age-appropriate development (ATT 1.6), while the probability of age-appropriate development is lower for participants in ZfK (-10.1) and Kita‑U (-4.5). The evaluation of early childhood intervention, especially selective services, is amethodological challenge due to confounding and suitable comparison groups. However, the SEE could be aframework for impact analyses under specific conditions.

A lifespan perspective on fetal alcohol syndrome: Developmental challenges and outcomes

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) result from alcohol exposure during the intrauterine life of the fetus and are the most common nonheritable, avoidable causes of intellectual disability and a wide range of neurobehavioral outcomes. Alcohol causes neurotoxicity in the developing brain. Children with FASD experience behavioral issues from an early age and progress to adulthood. The prevalence of alcohol consumption among women is increasing. Clinically, symptoms in children with FAS manifest in a wide range of ways, probably as a result of the quantity and timing of alcohol exposure, as well as maternal and genetic effects. All of these elements contribute to the mechanisms through which alcohol harms a growing brain, the specifics of which are still largely unknown. Neuroimaging reveals alterations in the structure of the brain, white matter structure, cortical development, and functional connections. However, recent advancements and ongoing research have yielded encouraging findings that could result in the use of FAS screening tools and therapy for individuals. Intervention aims to enhance development, address behavioural challenges, and ensure suitable educational programming. Prioritizing early childhood intervention is crucial to prevent secondary disabilities that may arise from delays in obtaining a definitive diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Effective nutritional therapies as well as cognitive rehabilitation are now being tested. This disorder represents the intersection of complicated societal, community, family, and biological circumstances that increase the risk for intergenerational suffering, health disparity, and social injustice. This paper aims to guide healthcare professionals and policymaker in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with FAS through effective strategies.

Investigating brain–gut microbiota dynamics and inflammatory processes in an autistic-like rat model using MRI biomarkers during childhood and adolescence

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social interaction deficits and repetitive behaviors. Recent research has linked that gut dysbiosis may contribute to ASD-like behaviors. However, the exact developmental time point at which gut microbiota alterations affect brain function and behavior in patients with ASD remains unclear. We hypothesized that ASD-related brain microstructural changes and gut dysbiosis induce metabolic dysregulation and proinflammatory responses, which collectively contribute to the social behavioral deficits observed in early childhood. We used an autistic-like rat model that was generated via prenatal valproic acid exposure. We analyzed brain microstructural changes using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and examined microbiota, blood, and fecal samples for inflammation biomarkers. The ASD model rats exhibited significant brain microstructural changes in the anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and thalamus; reduced microbiota diversity (Prevotellaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae); and altered metabolic signatures. The shift in microbiota diversity and density observed at postnatal day (PND) 35, which is a critical developmental period, underscored the importance of early ASD interventions. We identified a unique metabolic signature in the ASD model, with elevated formate and reduced acetate and butyrate levels, indicating a dysregulation in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism. Furthermore, increased astrocytic and microglial activation and elevated proinflammatory cytokines—interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)—were observed, indicating immune dysregulation. This study provided insights into the complex interplay between the brain and the gut, and indicated DTI metrics as potential imaging-based biomarkers in ASD, thus emphasizing the need for early childhood interventions.

The Importance of Genetic Testing for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Pediatric Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease that is massively underdiagnosed worldwide. Affected patients are at high risk of cardiovascular events at young ages. Early intervention in childhood could help prevent heart attacks and cerebral strokes in these patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted an interventional study including 10 patients that previously underwent genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia. These patients received lifestyle and diet recommendations that they followed for a year before being reevaluated. Results: Patients with negative genetic testing were able to achieve lower levels in their lipid panel values compared to the patients with positive genetic testing, with lifestyle changes alone. LDL-cholesterol levels decreased by 18.5% in patients without FH while patients genetically confirmed with FH failed to achieve lower LDL-cholesterol levels without medication. Conclusions: Genetic testing for FH is not always part of screening algorithms for FH. Some studies even advise against it. Our study proved the importance of genetic testing for FH when suspecting this disorder and choosing the treatment course for patients.

Women’s autonomy, neonatal, infant and under-five mortality in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Child mortality remains a major health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. Child survival is greatly influenced by household circumstances and mother’s healthcare choices. Notwithstanding tremendous investment in women empowerment in Ghana, there is limited empirical evidence on whether women’s autonomy translates into better child mortality outcomes. To examine the association between women’s autonomy and neonatal, infant and under-five mortality in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Data were obtained from a randomized cluster household survey among 15–49 years old women in seven districts in the Upper East Region. Data analysis was restricted to 3,243 women who reported ever having given birth. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we constructed an autonomy index categorized into least, moderate, and high autonomy based on responses to six questions regarding household decision-making. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the association of women’s autonomy status and mortality outcomes. Attaining secondary education or higher was significantly associated with infant mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.39, CI = 0.16, 0.94) and under-five mortality (aOR = 0.39, CI = 0.18–0.87). Also, maternal age was significantly associated with neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality, while living in rural setting was significantly associated with lower risk of neonatal (aOR = 0.38, CI = 0.19–0.75) and under-five (aOR = 0.63, CI = 0.48–0.83) mortality. However, we found that compared to women with least autonomy, infants of those with moderate autonomy (aOR = 1.76, CI 1.07–2.89) and high autonomy (aOR = 1.75; CI = 1.04–2.93) were significantly more likely to die. In this study setting, women’s autonomy was not predictive of child mortality. Interventions that aim to improve child mortality should pay attention to community and family level factors that promote increase utilization of essential early childhood interventions.

An introduction to the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HBCD) study

The fundamental organization of the human brain is established before birth, with rapid growth continuing over the first postnatal years. Children exposed before or after birth to various biological (e.g., substance exposure) or psychosocial hazards (e.g., maltreatment) are at elevated likelihood of deviating from a typical developmental trajectory, which in turn can be associated with psychological, behavioral, and physical health sequelae. In the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, brain, physical, biological, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development is being examined starting in pregnancy and planned through age 10 (data are sampled at varying degrees of granularity depending on age, with more dense sampling earlier in life). HBCD aims to determine the short- and long-term impacts of a variety of both harmful and protective factors, including prenatal substance use, on developmental trajectories through early childhood. Organized as a nationwide consortium across 27 sites, the HBCD Study will collect multimodal data that will be made publicly available on a yearly basis, through a data use application and approval process. Here we provide an overview of the HBCD Study design, sampling, protocol development, and data management. Data collected through HBCD will be fundamental to informing future prenatal and early childhood interventions and policies to promote wellbeing and resilience in all children.

Maternal depression and early childhood development among children aged 24–59 months: the mediating effect of responsive caregiving

This study examined whether maternal depression is related to Early Childhood Developmental (ECD) delay among children by quantifying the mediating contribution of responsive caregiving. We used data from 1235 children (Children’s mean age = 50.4 months; 582 girls, 653 boys, 93.9% were Han), selected through convenience sampling, in 2021. 4.7% of children had ECD delay, 34.3% of mothers had depression. Children with depressed mothers were less likely to receive responsive caregiving (OR 4.35, 95% CI 2.60–7.27), and those who did not receive responsive caregiving were more likely to experience ECD delay (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.89–8.02). Responsive caregiving partly mediated the relationship between maternal depression and ECD. Early intervention for children with depressed mothers is worthy of further investigation.

Parents in the Driver's Seat-Experiences of Parent-Delivered Baby-mCIMT Coached Remotely.

Background/Objectives: Recent guidelines on early intervention in children at high risk of cerebral palsy (CP) recommend parental involvement and family-centered home-based interventions with parents as primary trainers. Therapist coaching by home visitation is resource demanding, and telerehabilitation is a viable option for remote intervention and coaching. This study aims to describe parents' experiences of engaging in Baby-mCIMT coached remotely. Their infants are at high risk of unilateral cerebral palsy and the parents have been the primary trainers in regard to home-based intervention, optimizing the use of the affected hand. Methods: A qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with eight parents was employed. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The overarching theme "Parents in the driver's seat-learning through remote coaching to create conditions to enhance the child's motor skills" describes parents' experiences as primary training providers. The following three underlying categories with subcategories were identified: (1) Baby-mCIMT coached remotely in an everyday context-practical and technical prerequisites; (2) the child's response and the therapists' coaching supports active parental learning; (3) capability and sense of control-strengthening and demanding aspects. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that Baby-mCIMT coached remotely empowered the parents as primary trainers, which provided them with opportunities for understanding and learning about their child and their development. The findings underscore the importance of responsive professional guidance and a strong therapist-parent relationship to succeed with the Baby-mCIMT program coached remotely and to manage the digital coaching format.

Randomized controlled trial of the parents as teacher home visiting program: Outcomes of the intervention on families at six month follow-up

Family support programs are considered central to improving the health and development of children, and home visitation remains one of the most frequently used early intervention strategies. This study utilized a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to test the effectiveness of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) home visiting program intervention on child and caregiver outcomes, measured at six months post enrollment, with families randomized to study groups. Four PAT affiliates selected for the study are “blue ribbon” programs that meet certain quality standards. A total of 461 families (a 69 % retention rate) completed both baseline and 6-month data collection, including n = 295 for intervention and n = 166 for control. Differential attrition was 3.7 %. Baseline equivalency tests confirmed that the random assignment was effective and the groups were equivalent. Significant differences were observed between intervention and control groups, favoring the PAT intervention group, in 3 of the 4 domains assessed: child development, including Vineland-II Listening and Understanding and Talking and frequency of reading to the child; parenting practices, including improved sense of parenting efficacy and hopefulness; and family health and safety, including improved safety practices at home and reduced risk scores that capture depression and parenting stress. Estimated effect sizes for significant measures ranged from 0.12 to 0.28 and thus were in the range of what would be considered to have meaningful impact when compared with similar studies. Our findings contribute significantly to the understanding of home visitation program outcomes and adds to existing research by showing gains in child development that can be attributed to the PAT program. The RCT provides valuable evidence supporting the PAT program’s role in enhancing child development, improving parenting practices, and ensuring family health and safety. However, the lack of difference in service utilization between groups and the challenges faced during the study highlight the need for consideration of external factors, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service availability and utilization. This study contributes to the broader understanding of early childhood interventions and their efficacy in real-world, community settings.

THE IMPACT OF COMPLEMENTARY FOOD INTERVENTIONS ON ADOLESCENCE STUNTING PREVENTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: The transition from exclusive breastfeeding to poor complementary food by feeding practices may put infants at higher risk of becoming stunting. This study aims to analyze complementary food interventions in early childhood for stunting prevention. Methods: This systematic review is using 16 journals, and the authors conducted a relevant literature review in various data using the keywords "complementary food, stunting, RCT”. Data based on SCOPUS, Ebsco, WOS and Pubmed. The criteria consisted of full text published in criteria were five years limit journal (2017-2022) use article using English and live in lower middle income countries Results: In the first 1000 days of beginnings complementary food interventions are effective in preventing stunting. The incorporation of behavior change communication (BCC) education into the care programs offered to mothers and their families should be considered as a methods for gaining the most advantageous results. Conclusion: There are many options for complementary foods in the first 1000 days of life and can be adapted to the characteristics of the place of residence. The combination of behavior change communication (BC) interventions provided by medical personnel in the community to mothers and families who are directly involved in childcare can optimize stunting prevention interventions. Keywords : stunting prevention intervention, complementary food

Occupational balance of children and families in early childhood interventions

ABSTRACT We examined occupational balance, individuals’ level of satisfaction with their ability to meet various occupational needs through their activity patterns and quality of life (QOL), in families of children receiving early intervention and preschool special education services, using a web-based, cross-sectional, non-experimental survey design. The survey consisted of the Life Balance Inventory, the Kemp Quality of Life Scale, the Mastery/Control section of the Kansas Inventory of Parental Perceptions due to the relationship of control to QOL, and open-ended questions. While most participants classified themselves as moderately balanced or very balanced overall, the majority (60.9%) were unbalanced or very unbalanced in health. Fewer participants reported high quality of life compared to other non-disabled adults. Participants identified both barriers and facilitators of occupational balance related to service delivery. Occupational therapists should utilize intervention strategies that enhance occupational balance.

Early treatment for children with mental health problems and genetic conditions through a parenting intervention (The GAP): study protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChildren with genetic conditions are at increased risk for mental health and neurodevelopmental problems, often accompanied by significant parental distress. Genetic and family factors can impact children and parents’ mental health. Early parenting interventions, like the Incredible Years® programs, have demonstrated to improve parental distress and children’s mental health. The recent version for young children with language delays or autism spectrum disorder (IY-ASLD®) has shown to be feasible and effective to support parents in their children’s developmental trajectories. The effectiveness of treatments for children with genetic conditions and neurodevelopmental problems is largely unexplored, leaving significant gaps in evidence-based options. Clinicians lack guidance, especially when patients exhibit language or social communication impairments but do not meet diagnostic criteria for a full-blown autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aim to fill this gap, providing evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of the IY-ASLD® intervention for such patients.MethodsWe designed a prospective multicenter pragmatic randomized controlled trial including approximately 68 children aged 3 to 7 years, recruited from three tertiary care reference hospitals. Inclusion criteria will necessitate genetic confirmation of a neurodevelopmental disorder along with language, communication, or socialization difficulties. Individuals with an ASD diagnosis will be excluded. All subjects are included in a territorial register for rare conditions (ReMin, Registre de Malalties Minoritàries de Catalunya). Families will randomly be assigned to the intervention or the control group. The intervention will be held online by clinical psychologists and child and adolescent psychiatrists.DiscussionOur group has recently piloted the online implementation of the IY-ASLD® intervention for the first time in Spain, for parents of children with language delays, socialization difficulties, or ASD, but not genetically determined. Our multicenter research consortium is well-positioned to recruit patients with rare conditions and implement efficient treatment pathways within the National Health System. Given the geographical dispersion of families affected by rare conditions, the online format offers logistical advantages and improved therapy access, enhancing homogeneity across all patients. The results of this study will inform clinicians and policymakers about evidence-based treatment options for this vulnerable and overlooked group of young children.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06125093. Date of registration: first submitted 2023–10-23; first posted 2023–11-09. URL of trial registry record.

Responses to the needs of families with children with disabilities in Spain: The voices of families and professionals

Children with disabilities and their families have the right to access Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). Family members should act as active agents of the intervention. In this sense, service professionals should offer support and intervention to improve family well-being and child development. We analyzed the experiences of parents of children with disabilities users of ECI services and the professional coordinators in the Balearic Islands (Spain) from a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. A total of 5 coordinators and 30 family members participated in the study. The results indicate five categories: making ECI visible, reception phase, family well-being, intervention, and current barriers. The findings project the need to make ECI visible in policies and administrations, as well as plans to raise social awareness of child disability. Protocols must be found to facilitate access to services for children and families. Implications for the improvement of ECI are proposed.