The need for collaboration in early communication intervention : whom do parents consult regarding the prevention of communication disorders?

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to report findings regarding the needs of parents for information on communication development, to review the range of professionals whom parents frequently consult regarding communication development, to discuss the frequency with which professionals provide information on communication development to parents and to call early interventionists to action regarding involvement in transdisciplinary teams for the prevention of communication disorders. Two parallel surveys, one with parents (n = 184) and one with professionals (n = 83), as well as focus group discussions were utilised to reflect the perspectives of a variety of early intervention professionals and parents. Results indicated that parents desire more information on infant communication development and regularly consult a range of professionals in order to obtain information on the stimulation of communication skills and the prevention of early communication disorders. This has implications regarding the need for access to consistent, accurate information and the involvement of all early intervention professionals in the prevention of communication disorders.