The Portage Guide to Early Intervention

Abstract

The Portage Guide to Early Intervention, a program in which teachers instruct mothers in their homes in an effort to help promote the development of young children with developmental delays, is used widely (e.g. in more than 60 countries). Anecdotal and empirical evidence pertaining to the effects of the Portage Guide was reviewed, indicating generally favourable reports by parents and professionals. Empirical evidence was available from few studies. In addition, small sample sizes, brief duration of interventions, lack of control groups, restricted dependent measures and lack of follow-up studies precluded an appropriate evaluation of the Portage Guide's effects. Research that overcomes these and other methodological problems is needed. Lacking suitable evidence, professionals are encouraged to be conservative when discussing the Portage Guide's beneficial effects.