Overview of the Ecomap

What is an EcoMap?

Review this video as Mary Hendricks provides an overview of the background of the EcoMap and how it is integrated into the RBI process.

After watching the discussion on EcoMaps, contemplate the following questions:

• How could you use this tool with families and caregivers that you work with?
• What information will it provide you with?
• How will you use the information that you gain from completing an Eco Map?

EcoMap Overview

Below is a description you may wish to read if you are looking for more information on EcoMaps and how they are used with families of children who are receiving early intervention or preschool special education services.

EcoMap

An EcoMap is a graphical representation that shows all of the systems at play in an individual’s life. Ann Hartman developed these ecological maps, or eco maps, in 1975 as a means of depicting the ecological system that encompasses a family or individual (Hartman, 1995). (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eco-map).

Robin McWilliam, Ph.D., began using EcoMap as a component of his Routines Based Intervention approach. In his article Understanding the Family Ecology (2001), Dr. McWilliam calls the EcoMap the “most important activity of the intake visit”. It provides the team with the family’s “perceived informal, formal and immediate supports. “

The team member explains to the parent that they want to get an idea of all of the people involved in the family’s life in order to know where they might need additional information. The team members begin by asking about all of the people living in the house with the child. Questions are asked so as not to make any assumptions. The question may be posed as, “Who else besides you and your child live in the house?” The names of the people living in the house are recorded in a box or a circle in the center of the paper.

Once the members of the home are recorded, the team member asks about other people involved in the child and family’s life. It is important to be sure that you are clear that this is about the entire family. Specific questions about relatives and friends are phrased in a sensitive manner, such as “Do you and your child’s father have family that live close by?” Once family is established ask, “How often do you see them/talk to them?” Other areas explored are the parent’s friends, places of work, and regular weekend activities. You might ask if there are special people in their lives from any of those activities. Questions are asked about the child’s service providers, health care providers, support groups and community activities. You might ask about the relationship with these professionals by saying “Can you talk easily with them?” or “Do you like them?”.

As the parent is talking, you are determining based on the amount of time they see or talk to, as well as how they are describing the relationships, whether these are sources of stressors or support. This is indicated on the eco-map by thick lines, thin lines and broken lines.

An EcoMap should not take any longer than 10 minutes. It is a way for the team working with the child to get a good picture of the support that the family has, as well as supports that the team may need to help the family to access.

The EcoMap ends with the provider asking the question, “If you have news to share, whether it is good news or bad news, who is the first person you call?”. The team member then thanks the family and once again explains that the information will be helpful as they assist the child and the family during the intervention.