Factors perceived by mothers as preventing families from obtaining early intervention services for their children with special needs

In this descriptive, qualitative study we identify and describe the factors reported by 13 mothers that prevented them from receiving early interventi on (birth to 2) services for their children with developmental delays. Five themes were extracted from interviews with the mothers. The major barriers were a lack of knowledge by the primary care providers regarding the devel opmental delays that the children were experiencing and lack of appropriate referral information from the providers for the families. Mothers expresse d frustration with their providers as well as a desire to have better acces s to child development information. Recommendations regarding enhancing scr eening and referral services are provided.