Early positive approaches to support (E-PAtS): Qualitative experiences of a new support programme for family caregivers of young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Caregivers reported their own experiences, so the study cannot show that E-PAtS caused changes in caregivers or children. The method was purely qualitative and relied on self-report, with possible recall and social desirability bias. Interviews happened within two months of the programme, so longer-term outcomes were not assessed. The interviewed caregivers were a subset of families who attended E-PAtS through the organisations involved, so experiences may not represent all families. The study did not collect data on other programmes families accessed, so other supports may have contributed to reported experiences. The authors could not explore how family context or socio-economic situation related to engagement and experience. Because the whole group programme was evaluated, the study cannot say which component, such as peer discussion, co-facilitation or session content, mattered most.

Do not read this as evidence that E-PAtS improves child behaviour, communication or caregiver wellbeing. The study used a purely qualitative method and self-reported experiences within two months.