A world-first project, jointly run by Sydney University, Monash University and the University of Queensland is offering two years of free support to every parent of a child with a disability in NSW.
The aim of the project is to reduce the level of emotional and behavioural problems in children with a disability, and to improve the mental health and wellbeing of parents across the NSW population.
It also offers free training and support to professionals. Parents and professionals can go to www.mysay.org.au and share their experiences of parenting or working with a child with a disability. The information gathered from the survey will be used to plan the roll-out of state-wide parenting support.
Support will be provided through a Triple P – Positive Parenting Program for parents of children with a disability called Stepping Stones, which research shows can dramatically improve child behaviour problems.
A study found 71% of children with a developmental disability showed substantial behaviour improvement after their parents completed a Stepping Stones program.
Health and education professionals who work in the child disability field can also complete the survey and apply for free Stepping Stones training and resources.
The University of Sydney’s Chair of Mental Health Professor Stewart Einfeld said the project aims to reduce high levels of emotional and behavioural problems in children with a disability by providing parents with more support.
“Children with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, Fragile X and Down syndrome experience three to four times the emotional and behavioural problems of typically developing children,” Professor Einfeld said.
“This has an enormous impact on parents, and understandably many struggle to cope with the daily demands of raising their child and the extra challenges it involves.”
The project offers free parenting sessions through Stepping Stones, which is a Triple P – Positive Parenting Program for parents of children with a disability.
The three-state SSTP Project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia, and is being rolled out in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
For further information, visit: www.mysay.org.au.
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