Researchers from UQ’s School of Psychology are seeking families with a child between the ages of 2 and 9 diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, to take part in landmark research.
“It is widely recognised that children with disabilities are at greater risk of developing significant behavioural and emotional problems,” Professor Matt Sanders said.
Professor Sanders is co-author of Stepping Stones Triple P and Director of the University`s Parenting and Family Support Centre.
Stepping Stones Triple P is the first evidence-based program of its kind in the world and is designed to strengthen families’ capacity to support a child with a disability and help contribute to a balanced, meaningful and fulfilling life at home and in the community.
The program is an adaptation of the Centre’s highly successful Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, a multi-level family intervention program for the prevention and treatment of behavioural and emotional problems in preadolescent children.
“Stepping Stones Triple P aims to assist parents of children with a disability to develop practical solutions for common and potentially stressful behavioural and developmental challenges,” Professor Sanders said.
He said results of initial trials indicated a significant reduction in challenging behaviours, parental stress, depression and anxiety, as well as increased parental confidence and competence and marital satisfaction. Feedback from parents who participated in groups earlier in the year has been very positive.
Michelle Connolly is the mother of a six-year-old autistic child, and was involved in the pilot study.
“I just hope all the families who have a child with a disability have the opportunity to do Stepping Stones Triple P," she said. "Our family is living proof that it can make a huge difference.”
Participation in this study (and materials) are provided free of charge, and will involve weekly sessions of Stepping Stones Triple P, six of which will run in groups at the Parenting and Family Support Centre at the UQ, St Lucia, while three will be conducted individually over the phone. The program will begin in the week of October 9.
For more information on participation in Stepping Stones Triple P please contact principal researcher Gemma Reveleigh (PhD cand.) on 3346 7814 or 0403319925 or email g.reveleigh@psy.uq.edu.au or email Dr Kate Sofronoff at kate@psy.uq.edu.au
