Integrating Early Intervention into the Daily Routine of Family Life

Abstract

Background: Striking a balance between work and family care is a challenge for families today. More than 200,000 families in Canada have the additional demands that come with caring for a child with disability including implementing therapist-recommended goals and home programs. Aim: Underpinned by ecocultural theory, this study investigated 1) how parents juggle the demands of the daily routine, including early intervention (EI) and 2) the factors that influence the implementation of EI by parents Method: This study employed a narrative approach. Data were collected through in-depth narrative interviews with 12 families and a narrative and thematic analysis was completed. Results: Parents described accommodations, strategies, and trade-offs they made to fit intervention into their daily routines and to maneuver through the health and educational systems. Conclusion: Implementing EI can have significant personal and family costs. Careful assessment and consideration of family routines and stories is necessary for successful interventions.