A Pilot Intervention With Families of Children With Special Health Care Needs

"The intervention group will receive a 6-session intervention. The overview of the 6 sessions is as follows:~1. Behavioral chain analysis of episode where parent felt stressed with child and episode where things went well. Identification of sources of interpersonal support.~2. Stress relief techniques. Identification of short and long-term goals. Development of a detailed crisis plan.~3. Problem solving techniques.~4. Emotional regulation. Exercises to identify moods and explore connections between feelings, thoughts, and behavior.~5. Positive parenting, review of common and specific parenting challenges, child development, short and long-term effects of different discipline approaches.~6. Reflection, repeat behavioral chain analysis. Update crisis plan."

The families in the control group will be contacted by a member of the study team 6 times in 12 weeks to approximate the frequency of contact that the intervention group receives. The study team member will check in with families on the telephone or in person and will help them connect with clinic and community resources as needed.