Module 4 - Accessing therapeutic programs

Throughout this module, you have explored valuing and understanding your own parenting wellbeing. You have also had a go at implementing some actions to improve your parenting wellbeing. To do this, you have considered improving:

• access to social support
• enjoyable activities for your family to do together
• your self-care practices
• your child’s positive behaviour.

We are hopeful that you have seen some improvements in your parenting wellbeing. 

But it is important to remember that parenting a child with Global Developmental Delay is a journey filled with love, uncertainty, and often a deep sense of responsibility. You may find that after completing the module, you still experience unmanageable stress or distress. If this is the case, you should reach out for help and access a therapeutic program. A therapeutic program is a structured approach designed to support people to deal with emotional or behavioural challenges. These programs can take many forms including online help or face-to-face sessions with a qualified counsellor or psychologist. 

If you feel that you require additional support, here we will help you to identify where you can go for help to continue to improve your parenting wellbeing. 

Many parents say they don’t seek support because:

• They feel guilty or selfish
• They think others won’t understand
• They’ve had bad experiences asking for help before
• They feel too overwhelmed to even know where to begin

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is why understanding your options and starting small can help.

References

Li, S., Yong, Y., Li, Y., Li, J., & Xie, J. (2024). Cognitive-Based Interventions for Improving Psychological Health and Well-Being for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(9), 3316–3335. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06063-x

López-Liria, R., Vargas-Muñoz, E., Aguilar-Parra, J. M., Padilla-Góngora, D., Mañas-Rodriguez, M. A., & Rocamora-Pérez, P. (2020). Effectiveness of a Training Program in the Management of Stress for Parents of Disabled Children. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(4), 964–977. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01665-5

Yesilkaya, M., & Magallón-Neri, E. (2024). Parental Stress Related to Caring for a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Benefit of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Parental Stress: A Systematic Review. SAGE Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241235033