Families of children with disability facing long wait times for diagnosis and support can now access a free, evidence-based online parenting program funded by the Australian Government.
The program is called Stepping Stones Triple P Online, and offers immediate, practical strategies to help children thrive and boost parental wellbeing.
Triple P International country director, Carol Markie-Dadds, said the ongoing strain on the disability workforce, difficulties in accessing support, long wait times and cost-of-living pressures, mean that children are missing out on critical early intervention support.
“Early intervention in the form of parenting programs gives immediate support to families with disability by equipping parents and carers with the valuable tools and strategies needed to understand and respond to their child’s needs and their own,” Markie-Dadds said.
Research proves benefits
The program is based on 25 years of ongoing research with parents and practitioners. It provides strategies to:
- manage everyday life, including socialising, mealtimes and family outings
- encourage a child’s independence and self-care skills
- help parents respond to their child’s needs and behaviours with confidence
- look after themselves as a parent
- communicate better as a family
“Childhood is a crucial stage of development for all young people, particularly so for children with disability and unique support needs. Delays to accessing support early in a child’s life have a direct impact on the level of care and support a person with disability will require into adulthood,” Markie-Dadds said.
“The mental health and wellbeing of carers is also at-risk – around twice as many parents of children with disability report moderate to high stress levels compared to parents without a child with disability.
“When parents and carers feel confident and empowered to support their child with managing daily routines, building connections, and being independent, the entire family benefits.”
Flexible program
Stepping Stones Triple P is available online, so parents and carers don’t have to juggle an in-person appointment with caring responsibilities.
Brisbane mother-of-two, Rachel, did the program when her son was 3 years old, after he was diagnosed with autism.
“I still use the things I learned daily. It gives you confidence that stays with you for life. You always have this toolbox in the back of your mind to help you navigate parenting. Making the online program free for every family will mean so much to so many,” she said.
“There’s a lot of stigma around doing a parenting course, but you do the course if you want to be given all the best information about child development in the most efficient way. There are many reasons to do the program and no reasons to not do it,” she said.
Parents and carers can sign up for Stepping Stones Triple P Online now.