Comprehensiveness Is a Cliché

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore professionals' orientation toward child assessment and planning. Semistructured questionnaire data and interview data were collected from child neurological units in Finland. Legislation in Finland does not specifically provide guidelines for family centeredness and comprehensiveness in early intervention, yet professionals have widely accepted these approaches in their work with children with disabilities and their families. Results of this study indicated that practices were not implemented consistently. Professionals' varying perceptions of the concept of comprehensiveness and family involvement seemed to interfere with the implementation of these guidelines.