Assistive devices as an early childhood intervention: evaluating outcomes

OBJECTIVES:To determine the impact of assistive technology device (ATD) use on child and family function and whether use by young children is related to caregiver satisfaction with a device.STUDY DESIGN:Preliminary study of a state-based ATD Program for young children (< 4 years old). Information on device and child characteristics, service delivery, satisfaction with the device (QUEST), and child and family function (PEDI) was collected through program record review (n=21), telephone surveys (n=13) and face-to-face interviews with caregivers (n=4). Descriptive, non-parametric and qualitative procedures were used.RESULTS:High ranked satisfaction scores were more likely (p=0.03) for children using the device as intended than for those underutilizing the device. For 3 out of 4 children receiving a mobility device, functional mobility and amount of caregiver assistance improved.CONCLUSION: Application of this preliminary study's methods will provide valuable information on the effectiveness of ATDs for young children with special needs.