Development of Home-Based Intervention Module for Specific Learning Disorder Mixed Type: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Specific learning disorder (SLD) is prevalent in India, yet resources and trained professionals are scarce.
• Existing support systems are often inaccessible and costly for families.
• There is a critical need for alternative, accessible remedial programs like home-based interventions (HBI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a manualized home-based intervention (HBI) program.
• To create an accessible HBI for children aged 7-12 with specific learning disorder (SLD).
• To address the burden of SLD in India through a family-centered approach.

Main Methods:

• Conducted literature search, focus groups with parents and teachers (n=44), and interviews with children and professionals (n=22).
• Utilized thematic analysis to identify intervention strategies.
• Incorporated expert feedback on the HBI manual's content and structure.

Main Results:

• Developed a manualized HBI program integrating psychoeducation, learning strategies, cognitive, social, and behavioral techniques, and parent therapy.
• The HBI includes 14 parent training sessions over six months, focusing on a four-step practice model.
• Intervention strategies were informed by stakeholder perspectives and thematic analysis.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive HBI manual for children with SLD-mixed type has been successfully developed.
• The manual incorporates diverse perspectives from all stakeholders.
• Future research will evaluate the HBI's acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness.