Evaluation of the LittlEARS~R Diary and Activities to Supplement the LittlEARS~R Diary as a Basis for Early Parent Guidance

摘要

The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the LittlEARS~R Diary and the Activities to Supplement the Diary as a basis for early guidance of parents of children with Cochlear Implants (CIs). Methods: Six children with CIs and their parents participated in weekly, diary based observational parent guidance sessions. The parents and therapists shared Diary information and kept records. Therapists observed themed activities of parents with their children. Questionnaires were used to collect feedback from parents and therapists. Results: Diary records documented child development, therapists reported development in parent-child interaction skills and both parents and therapists gave very positive feedback. Conclusions: Using the Diary and the Activities help in training professionals to give family centered guidance. Outcome measures show that children and parents benefited from the program. This suggests that these tools in combination with a naturalistic and observational approach in early intervention lead to positive and more standard outcomes for families.