Changing the narrative in early childhood intervention: Bioecological theory to practice for children with Down syndrome in New Zealand

Current practice in early childhood intervention builds on theories of child development emerging in the twentieth century. However, translation to intervention practice faced a range of barriers when first proposed. Using an autoethnographic methodology through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model, we document the emergence of the Christchurch Early Intervention Trust programme in 1970’s New Zealand, a pioneering integrated, biopsychosocial nongovernmental early intervention service for infants and young children with Down syndrome. Barriers existed from the micro to the macro levels and included family and community attitudes and beliefs, professional training limitations, and resistance and lack of understanding at all levels of Bronfenbrenner's model. These were addressed through a new integrated service delivery model involving collaboration with, and education of, families and professionals, and the harnessing of key players in the medical and educational professions. Understanding practice innovation contributes to the collective history of early intervention services for children with Down syndrome and provides a basis on which to act on current threats to services including politically motivated challenges to equity and diversity.