| Abstract: | This paper describes pilot testing of an intervention designed to provide parents of children with disabilities with the basic skills of touch therapy. The aims were 1) to gain a greater understanding of parents’ experience of caring for a child before attending the intervention and 2) to determine whether the intervention was acceptable and perceived to be of value by parents. The sample comprised sixteen parents (three couples, 9 mothers, 1 grandmother) and 13 children. The intervention comprised 8 weekly 1 ‐hour sessions, during which one therapist provided instruction in touch therapy to one parent‐child dyad. Data were collected through interviews with parents before the intervention and at 4 months. Results of pretest interviews revealed that parents’ experiences of caring for children with disabilities reflected that described in the literature (e.g., wide ranging impact on family, career and leisure activities). Furthermore, parents felt they suffered from insufficient information and support in attempts to manage their child's condition at home. Results of the post‐test interviews suggest that both parents and children found the experience of touch therapy enjoyable. Parents reported benefiting in terms of having something positive to offer, feeling more confident in their own abilities and feeling closer to their child. Children were reported to have improved sleep patterns, more relaxed muscles and improved bowel functioning. In conclusion, findings suggest that increasing parental resources in relation to their contribution to their child's care might be achieved through training in simple touch therapy techniques that can be used in the home environment. |
