Preliminary Evaluation of the Step-by-Step Parenting Program for Expfectant Parents With Intellectual Disabilities.
Maurice A Feldman, Amanda Cappon, Kay Corbier and 3 others
PMID 40114451WHAT IT FOUND
Two expectant parents with intellectual disabilities improved newborn care skills from 31% to 85% using step-by-step training with a baby simulator.
These skills transferred to their actual babies. This is a preliminary report on two people, not proof the program works for others.
Key findings
01Parenting skills increased from a baseline mean of 31.04% to 84.61% in follow-up with the baby.
02Both participants reported high satisfaction with the training, rating it 5 out of 5.
03Participants requested the infant simulator be turned off, yet still improved skills and transferred them to their babies.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
Only two participants were included, so findings cannot be generalised. The study did not include a control group; it relied on single-case experimental design logic. Participants did not practise between sessions, so the role of home practice is unknown. The infant simulator was turned off, so it did not provide realistic feedback (crying, resistance). Effect sizes were calculated on very small data points and should be interpreted cautiously.
Declared interests
The first author receives compensation for training others in the Step-by-Step Parenting Program but received no compensation for this study. Two other authors were paid as the parent educators delivering the intervention.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the Step-by-Step Parenting Program is proven effective for this population. This is a preliminary study of only two parents. The positive results are anecdotal evidence of potential, not a demonstration of efficacy for a broader group.