The perceived utility, acceptability, and impact of Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) in routine services for families of young children with developmental disabilities

OBJECTIVES: To examine the social validity of the Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) program. E-PAtS is a group-based psychoeducational and support intervention designed for parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) in the early stages of their service trajectory. METHODS: We used semi-structured interviews and post-session measures to explore parents' perceptions of the adequacy program's goals, acceptability of its procedures, and its perceived effects. RESULTS: Findings indicated strong alignment between parents' motivations for participation, program goals, and perceived outcomes across family members. Thematic analysis identified five features supporting the social validity of E-PAtS: 1) learning about DD and practical strategies, 2) accessing and navigating services, 3) engaging in group discussions, 4) developing self-care practices, and 5) experiencing co-facilitation. Parents also reported improvements in child behavior and an increased capacity to navigate services and identify needs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of socially valid, family-centered approaches. They also position E-PAtS as a complementary early support to enhance readiness for subsequent interventions, and support its integration within a continuum of services for families of children with DD.