The portage guide to early intervention - An evaluation of published evidence

The Portage Guide to Early Intervention, a program in which teachers instru ct mothers in their homes in an effort to help promote the development of y oung children with developmental delays, is used widely (e.g. in more than 60 countries). Anecdotal and empirical evidence pertaining to the effects o f the Portage Guide was reviewed, indicating generally favourable reports b y parents and professionals. Empirical evidence was available from few stud ies. In addition, small sample sizes, brief duration of interventions, lack of control groups, restricted dependent measures and lack of follow-up stu dies precluded an appropriate evaluation of the Portage Guide's effects. Re search that overcomes these and other methodological problems is needed. La cking suitable evidence, professionals are encouraged to be conservative wh en discussing the Portage Guide's beneficial effects.