As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, understanding parents' perceptions of their child's assessment process can significantly enhance the effectiveness of our interventions. A recent study titled "A retrospective study exploring parents’ perceptions of their child’s assessment" provides valuable insights that can help us refine our practices. This blog will discuss key findings from the study and offer practical recommendations for implementing these insights in clinical settings.
Key Findings from the Study
The study conducted qualitative interviews with 20 parents to explore their experiences during their child's assessment. The thematic analysis revealed three primary domains of parental experience:
- Parental perceptions of the assessment process
- Effects of the assessment
- Parental perceptions of their relationship with their children’s teachers
1. Parental Perceptions of the Assessment Process
Parents emphasized the importance of the relationship with the assessor. Key relational skills such as competence, empathy, and support were crucial in shaping their perceptions. Negative experiences often stemmed from feeling criticized or perceiving the assessment as impersonal.
Recommendations:
- Build a positive and secure relationship with both parents and children.
- Provide detailed information about the assessment process, tools used, and future interventions.
- Customize the assessment path based on the specific needs of the family.
2. Effects of the Assessment
The assessment's cognitive and emotional impacts on parents were significant. While many parents gained new understandings and effective parenting strategies, others did not achieve the desired insights.
Recommendations:
- Facilitate a deeper understanding of the child's difficulties and promote systemic awareness.
- Support parents in developing effective parenting strategies.
- Address both positive and negative emotional experiences, providing space for anxieties and fears.
3. Parental Perceptions of the Relationship with Teachers
Parents' satisfaction with the assessment process was influenced by their interactions with teachers. Competence, empathy, and support from teachers were highly valued.
Recommendations:
- Encourage teachers to be active participants in the assessment process.
- Promote collaboration between assessors and teachers to tailor educational strategies based on assessment findings.
Implications for Clinical Practice
To ensure parents' satisfaction and enhance the effectiveness of child assessments, practitioners should:
- Consistently provide support to parents and actively involve them in the assessment process.
- Promote positive emotional and cognitive changes for both parents and children.
- Minimize waiting lists for assessments and ensure services are accessible and affordable.
- Ensure continuity and coordination in service provision, particularly with schools.
Understanding parents' perceptions can help us deliver more effective and empathetic services, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children. For a deeper dive into the research findings, practitioners are encouraged to read the original research paper.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A retrospective study exploring parents’ perceptions of their child’s assessment.
