The perceived utility, acceptability, and impact of Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) in routine services for families of young children with developmental disabilities.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the social validity of the Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) program. E-PAtS is a group-based psychoeducational and support intervention designed for parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) in the early stages of their service trajectory.

METHODS

We used semi-structured interviews and post-session measures to explore parents' perceptions of the adequacy program's goals, acceptability of its procedures, and its perceived effects.

RESULTS

Findings indicated strong alignment between parents' motivations for participation, program goals, and perceived outcomes across family members. Thematic analysis identified five features supporting the social validity of E-PAtS: 1) learning about DD and practical strategies, 2) accessing and navigating services, 3) engaging in group discussions, 4) developing self-care practices, and 5) experiencing co-facilitation. Parents also reported improvements in child behavior and an increased capacity to navigate services and identify needs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the importance of socially valid, family-centered approaches. They also position E-PAtS as a complementary early support to enhance readiness for subsequent interventions, and support its integration within a continuum of services for families of children with DD.