Revised Purpose of Study & Research Questions

Purpose of the Study

            Children from birth to three years of age often miss out on receiving early intervention services during the most critical time for brain maturation and development due to delayed referrals.  Current research demonstrates a need for more consistent parameters when referring children with developmental disabilities.  Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the influence of providing developmental guidelines to pediatricians on their subsequent referral to early intervention services.

Research Questions

1.     How frequently do pediatricians refer to early intervention specialists given current practices?

2.     What specific guidelines do pediatricians use to refer to early intervention specialists?

3.     What type of screening tool would facilitate pediatricians’ referrals to early intervention specialists?

4.     What developmental questions should parents be asked during well-child visits?

5.     How do pediatricians who are provided with new developmental guidelines differ from pediatricians who were not, in their referral to early intervention specialists?

Update: I'm thinking of implementing the use of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile in my quasi-experimental study.  However, I'm still trying to iron out details.  Any suggestions that could help better organize me?