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A Qualitative Exploration of Support Groups for Parents of Children With Developmental Language Disorder.

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Title: A Qualitative Exploration of Support Groups for Parents of Children With Developmental Language Disorder.
Authors: O'Fallon, Maura K.1 mofallon@udel.edu, Jacobs, Oluwakemi1, Rulewicz, Emily1, Christopulos, Tyler2, Curtiss, Sarah L.3, Van Hornea, Amanda Owen1
Source: Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools. Oct2025, Vol. 56 Issue 4, p956-969. 14p.
Subject Terms: *Qualitative research, *Needs assessment, *Children, Support groups, Word deafness, Research funding, Evaluation of human services programs, Statistical sampling, Parents of children with disabilities, Social support, Phenomenology, Data analysis software, Psychosocial factors, Patients' attitudes
Geographic Terms: Delaware
Abstract: Purpose: Parents of children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have unique support needs. While support groups have a strong evidence base, they have not been adapted for use with this population. Our goal was to explore support needs among parents of children with DLD and their perspectives on participating in a support group. Method: We conducted semistructured interviews with 12 caregivers of children with DLD. We asked questions about existing support needs, coping strategies, and hypothetical participation in a support group. Systematic text condensation was used to identify themes and subthemes within parent responses. Results: Participants reported that systemic issues (e.g., Individualized Education Program processes, insurance coverage) hindered their ability to access evaluation and treatment services for their child. They also reported informational needs, such as wanting to know more about DLD, and challenges locating trustworthy resources. Emotional support needs included mental health challenges, as well as feelings of isolation and guilt. Finally, participants expressed interest in joining support groups and identified ways in which attendance would address emotional and informational needs. Conclusions: Within our sample, participants were dissatisfied with practices in evaluation and treatment for children with DLD. They wanted more information from speech-language pathologists and other service providers and described difficult emotions that accompanied raising a child with DLD. We propose that parent support groups, a flexible and low-cost option, may address these needs from parents of children with DLD. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.29373977. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools is the property of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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  Data: A Qualitative Exploration of Support Groups for Parents of Children With Developmental Language Disorder.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Language%2C+Speech+%26+Hearing+Services+in+Schools%22">Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools</searchLink>. Oct2025, Vol. 56 Issue 4, p956-969. 14p.
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  Data: Purpose: Parents of children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have unique support needs. While support groups have a strong evidence base, they have not been adapted for use with this population. Our goal was to explore support needs among parents of children with DLD and their perspectives on participating in a support group. Method: We conducted semistructured interviews with 12 caregivers of children with DLD. We asked questions about existing support needs, coping strategies, and hypothetical participation in a support group. Systematic text condensation was used to identify themes and subthemes within parent responses. Results: Participants reported that systemic issues (e.g., Individualized Education Program processes, insurance coverage) hindered their ability to access evaluation and treatment services for their child. They also reported informational needs, such as wanting to know more about DLD, and challenges locating trustworthy resources. Emotional support needs included mental health challenges, as well as feelings of isolation and guilt. Finally, participants expressed interest in joining support groups and identified ways in which attendance would address emotional and informational needs. Conclusions: Within our sample, participants were dissatisfied with practices in evaluation and treatment for children with DLD. They wanted more information from speech-language pathologists and other service providers and described difficult emotions that accompanied raising a child with DLD. We propose that parent support groups, a flexible and low-cost option, may address these needs from parents of children with DLD. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.29373977. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools is the property of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1044/2025_LSHSS-24-00118
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Needs assessment
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      – SubjectFull: Children
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      – SubjectFull: Support groups
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