Abstract
Aim : To identify characteristics and effectiveness of support program for parents of preschool children with developmental disabilities. Method : Electronic literature searches were conducted using PubMed and the Japanese Central Review of Medicine from April 1994 to March 2010. Results : Nine artieles met our eligibility criteria. The programs consisted of 8-12 weekly sessions. The goal of the program was to improve parental management skills when dealing with the child's behavior problems. All articles discussed the teaching of parenting strategies to parents by the therapist. These strategies varied according to the type of developmental disabilities. The programs were designed to provide feedback for the parents on the implementation of parenting strategies, and to develop individual goals based on an assessment of the children's and parents' strengths and needs. Discussion : To develop a parenting support program for parents of children with developmental disabilities, and it is necessary to select parenting strategies according to the type of children's developmental disabilities. Furthermore, support is needed for parents to apply the parenting strategies to their living style and the characteristics of their child's behavior. Therefore, it is indispensable to design programs to develop individual goals based on an assessment of the children's and parents' strengths and needs, and provide feedback for the parents on the implementation of parenting strategies
