Project Description:
Research has shown that families, particularly Latino families, face many barriers when referred for early intervention (EI) services, including difficulties communicating with health care providers, parent characteristics and family values, cultural and linguistic differences, practical obstacles, and systemic factors. This study will explore the experiences of low-income, Latino families when accessing EI services in Los Angeles after a positive developmental screening was completed. Eligible families are those who (1) have a child aged 9 months to 3 years, (2) who screened positive for developmental delays and (3) was referred at least 6 months ago for EI services by their primary care provider at AltaMed or Northeast Valley Health Corporation. The study has two parts: a phone survey, and an in-person qualitative interview. The phone survey will be conducted with 75 parents. After the survey, twenty Latino parents will be invited for an in-person interview with a focus on understanding their perspective, experiences, and the successes and challenges they encountered throughout the linkage process from screening, to EI evaluation, to EI services. The survey will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. The interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and analyzed qualitatively. The study will provide recommendations and guidelines to address gaps that families face during the EI process.
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Urban
