Related Experiment Videos
The family physician's role with parents of young children with developmental disabilities
H P Parette1, J J Hourcade, R K Brimberry
1Center for Research on Teaching and Learning, University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
Insights
Family physicians play a vital role in supporting children with developmental disabilities and their families. New legislation emphasizes family-centered care, requiring enhanced physician communication and screening protocols.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Family Medicine
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Federal legislation, such as Public Law 99-457, mandates increased family involvement in the care of children with developmental disabilities.
- The family unit is recognized as crucial for intervention success in pediatric developmental disabilities.
- Physician involvement is essential for developing appropriate services for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the expanding role of family physicians in caring for children with developmental disabilities.
- To emphasize the importance of family-centered care as mandated by recent legislation.
- To provide recommendations for family physicians to effectively support these children and their families.
Main Methods:
- Review of federal legislation impacting care for children with developmental disabilities.
- Analysis of the family physician's role in intervention and service design.
- Development of recommendations for physician practice, including screening and communication strategies.
Main Results:
- Technological advancements and legislation necessitate a greater role for family physicians.
- Public Law 99-457 highlights the significance of the family unit and physician involvement.
- Effective support involves informal screening protocols and enhanced physician communication skills.
Conclusions:
- Family physicians are pivotal in supporting children with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Optimizing family interactions and providing support are crucial for positive outcomes.
- Enhanced communication skills and screening protocols enable physicians to better address the unique needs of this population.
Abstract:
Technological advances, coupled with recent federal legislation targeting young children who have developmental disabilities, will increasingly necessitate an expanded role of the family physician in the lives of these children and their families. Of particular importance is Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, which recognizes the importance of the family unit in any intervention methodology that may be provided. This legislation also notes that the active involvement of the family's physician is desirable when designing services appropriate for children with developmental disabilities and their families. Providing support and optimizing positive family interactions are crucial to these children. Recommendations to enable the family physician to address more effectively the unique needs of this patient population include (1) an informal screening protocol, and (2) communication skills that include talking with both parents at the same time, using accurate, nonstigmatizing language when presenting a diagnosis, showing acceptance of and optimism regarding the child, encouraging parents to explain their child's problems to others, helping parents to learn about their children's unique needs, and helping parents to understand how their attitudes affect their child.