Abstract
This qualitative study provides face validity for the Holistic Approach to Neuro Development and Learning Efficiency (HANDLE) approach in its ability to support families who have a child diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). This is a framework that rehabilitation professionals should consider implementing for this population.
Primary Author and Speaker: Yocheved Bensinger-Brody
Additional Authors and Speakers: Shifra K. Leiser
The objective of this study is to establish face validity of the HANDLE® (The Holistic Approach to Neurodevelopment and Learning Efficiency) Approach, an evaluation and treatment approach for individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental differences (NDDs) such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While HANDLE is based on neuroscientific principles, it has limited representation within the literature. This study investigated if client experience matches practitioners’ intentions as related to HANDLE’s foundational principles including Gentle Enhancement®, presumption of competence, holism, and neuroplasticity. The second objective is to understand parents’ lived experiences while raising a child diagnosed with an NDD. This qualitative study included 8 interviews with 6 English speaking parents of children diagnosed with an NDD and who had previously received HANDLE based intervention from the co-PI or from other practitioners. Recruitment was stepwise and conducted via email. Semi-structured interviews with a combined phenomenological and theory driven approach were conducted to learn about participants’ lived experiences raising a child diagnosed with an NDD, and their experience with implementing HANDLE as an intervention. Each interview was recorded, transcribed, and coded using inductive and deductive approaches. Each interview was coded by two investigators and codes were reconciled. Codes were integrated into categories and then themes. Four themes were identified, including pre-HANDLE therapeutic journey, family/parent profile, experience with HANDLE, and continuous concerns. Themes suggest that client experience with HANDLE reflects the practitioners’ intentions as related to the foundational principles. Further, themes suggest that HANDLE provided benefit to the children diagnosed with ASD/NDDs and to their families, and as such, it is a framework that rehabilitation professionals should consider implementing for this population.
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