Training and education approaches for parents of children with special needs

Abstract

This is a review of attempts made to involve and to train parents in the endeavour of helping their children with special needs. The reasons for parent involvement are discussed, before describing and contrasting the variety of theoretical orientations and parenting skills that have been considered in this work, and the influences of parent and child characteristics. Detailed consideration is given to the methods used in training and their effectiveness. Although parent involvement can be said to be of value, more effort is required in terms of careful conceptualization and more elaborate multivariate research before definite answers may be provided for many of the issues raised.