Parental Adherence to Home Activities in Early Intervention for Young Children With Delayed Motor Development

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Children with motor delays often require early intervention services.
• Home-based activities are crucial for reinforcing therapeutic gains.
• Parental adherence to these activities is a key factor in treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how home activity characteristics and therapist coaching practices influence parental adherence.
• To understand the parent perspective on early intervention home activities.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to physical therapists and occupational therapists across the US.
• Survey fliers were shared in online parent and therapy support groups.
• 446 parents of children with motor delays completed the survey.

Main Results:

• Parents reported therapists used 5 coaching practices, but desired more time for coaching.
• Therapist modeling of activities was the most helpful teaching technique.
• Coaching, activity appropriateness, child enjoyment, and parent self-efficacy were linked to adherence.

Conclusions:

• Parental adherence is influenced by both coaching strategies and the nature of home activities.
• Individualizing home activities and utilizing effective coaching practices can enhance adherence in early intervention.