PERCEPTION OF EARLY INTERVENTION FAMILY OUTCOME: INSIDE CHINESE-AMERICAN FAMILIES HAVING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

This study seeks to determine whether Chinese-American Families having a child with disabilities experience different needs and expected early intervention family outcomes from families from the mainstream culture. The Researcher used different qualitative research techniques to examine Chinese-American Families who have children with disabilities. Participants shared their perceptions of many different issues around their young children with disabilities and the early intervention services that they had or have been receiving during the time of the interview. The results show parents from Chinese Cultures expect the same type of family outcomes as do mainstream parents; however, the data indicated that cultural differences and unfamiliarity with early intervention and special education systems have created a difference between the extent to which the Chinese cultures avail themselves of the available services which assist parents in dealing effectively with needs of the disabled children.

In the general discussion the researcher will discuss the culture related themes which have caused this underutilization of relevant services. The future research implications and limitations of this study are provided in the last chapter.