Supporting Services for Learning Disabilities : End-user Perspective of the Service System in Helsinki, Finland. Multiple-case Study of the Service Paths for Learning Disabilities

This multiple-case study investigates the end-user perspective of the supporting services for learning disabilities. Moreover, in the case of comprehensive school aged children who have learning disabilities that cannot be solely supported by the three-step intervention/support model at the Finnish schools. The objective was to explore cases, children with more demanding learning disabilities, to depict the service paths that are formed for service development insight. Thematic interviews with parents of such children provided data for speculation and analysis was conducted with an individual level logic model, illustrating the initial theoretical propositions and the cases. The interviewees were sought via closed peer support groups in Facebook, for parents of children who have neuropsychological symptoms. The service paths in the cases reveal a multitude of service providers in the public sector of health care and social services. Some private and third sector service providers are present as well. Assessments and tests appear in a considerable role while the corresponding effective assisting or rehabilitative services are perhaps in a lesser role. Accessibility concerning the services that would help, assist, rehabilitate or remediate the child is therefore questionable. Scattered field of services seem to prolong the process and cause significant time and resource demanding evolvement for the parents in question. Evidently, need for additional support continues throughout the years. Development proposal is framed by value based service design ideas - introducing a modern neuroscience remediation program for educational purposes, a cognitive training program in Finnish. A program with permanent, far reaching results, truly mitigating effects of cognitive deficits