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Immediate support for families – free online programme helps parents of children with disabilities
Families of children with disabilities facing long wait times for diagnosis and support can now access Stepping Stones Triple P Online – a free, evidence-based parenting programme funded by the Australian Government. This initiative provides practical strategies to help children thrive while enhancing parental wellbeing.
Triple P International Country Director, Carol Markie-Dadds, highlighted that approximately one in 13 Australian children( around 356,000 aged 0 to 14) live with a disability. The strain on the disability workforce, long wait times, and cost-of-living pressures mean many children miss out on crucial early intervention, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed and isolated.
Early Intervention for Better Outcomes
“ Parenting programmes provide immediate support, equipping parents and carers with tools to understand and respond to their child’ s needs – as well as their own,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.“ Stepping Stones Triple P has undergone extensive research trials across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. These studies show significant benefits, including improved family relationships, reduced parental stress, increased parenting confidence, and enhanced emotional and behavioural wellbeing in children.”
She also noted that the programme benefits families with neurodiverse children, such as those diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
“ Childhood is a critical stage of development, especially for children with disabilities. Delays in early support impact the level of care they require in adulthood.”
“ The mental health and wellbeing of carers is also at risk – parents of children with disabilities are twice as likely to report moderate to high stress levels.”
“ When parents feel confident supporting their child in managing daily routines, building connections, and fostering independence, the entire family benefits,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.
Support from the AEIOU Foundation
AEIOU Foundation Head of Research, Dr Kate Liley, said:“ Families of autistic children face unique challenges. AEIOU welcomes initiatives that provide accessible, evidence-based support to help parents navigate these challenges.”
The flexibility of Stepping Stones Triple P Online eliminates the need for in-person appointments, making it ideal for busy parents or those in regional and remote areas.
What Parents and Carers Will Learn
Backed by 25 years of research, Stepping Stones Triple P Online helps parents and carers:
• Use positive, practical strategies to manage daily life with confidence – including routines, social situations, mealtimes, and family outings.
• Encourage their child’ s independence in self-care tasks such as brushing teeth and getting dressed.
• Confidently respond to their child’ s needs and behaviours, supporting overall development and wellbeing.
• Reduce stress by learning parental self-care techniques.
• Improve family communication, including strategies for children with alternative communication styles.
• Support their child’ s social skills to build relationships at home and in the wider community.
• Help the whole family adapt and enjoy life more!
“ Every child has unique qualities. Triple P encourages parents and carers to recognise their child’ s strengths, fostering confidence and skill development,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.
“ Parents know their child best, so they can choose strategies that align with their family’ s values and needs. Even a small change can make a big difference,” she added. Parents and carers who complete Stepping Stones Triple P Online join over 100,000 who have attended the face-toface programme, alongside 490,000 parents and carers across Australia – and millions globally – who have benefited from Triple P’ s parenting programmes.
This free online programme is available across Australia, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Programme. This funding ensures free access to Triple P’ s online courses for all parents and carers of children under 12. Join now- https:// www. triplep-parenting. net. au /
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18 ISSUE 179 // APRIL 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT