Informational Needs of Parents of Young Children with Special Needs

Abstract

A national sample of 367 parents (267 mothers and 100 fathers) of children with special needs, ages birth to 8 years, were surveyed regarding their informational needs and preferred sources for parenting information. The major need that emerged was for information on how to promote the development of their children with special needs. Parents also expressed a need for information on dealing with the emotional and time demands of parenting, identifying community resources, planning for their child's future, and understanding their child's legal rights. Preferred sources for information varied according to topic and the educational level of the parent. Responses are reported for mothers by level of education and for fathers.