EARLY INTERVENTION AS A SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND THEIR PARENTS IN POLAND

Abstract

The article comprehensively describes early intervention in Poland as a system of comprehensive, multidisciplinary, coordinated, continuous support for children with developmental disabilities, at risk group, and their parents. The historical aspects of the problem under study have been highlighted. The legal documents regulating the organization of early intervention support have been presented.
New approaches to early intervention have been reflected. It has been noted that today the ecological-systemic paradigm is the most popular in Poland. The methods of supporting children of early and preschool age have been highlighted. Attention has been focused on strengthening the role of the family, types of parenting behavior in raising children with developmental disabilities and children at risk of disability.
The relevance of the problem under study for Ukraine has been substantiated. In particular, the number of childhood disorders is increasing as a result of war; there is a need to study and implement foreign achievements; infant mortality is higher than in neighboring countries in Central and Eastern Europe, in particular in Poland.
The prospects for using Polish experience in Ukraine include the study and applying effective ways of working with children: methods of developmental movement by V. Sherborne, contact and communication by C. Knill, neurodevelopmental therapy and good start by M. Bogdanowicz, mental development support by E. Gruszczyk-Kolczyńskа; sensory integration; methods that promote understanding (pictograms, sound gestures, logographic language by C. Bliss), thematic games, pet therapy, music therapy, behavioral methods of education, etc. Multidirectional assistance to parents raising children with developmental disabilities, at risk group is advisable as a sample to be followed.
It has been focused on the role of volunteers, charitable foundations and philanthropists in supporting children and their families. The problems that need to be solved to meet EU standards have been outlined.