Queensland: A study by US researchers published in the journal Research in Developmental Disabilities has found that parenting programs, particularly UQ’s Stepping Stones Triple P program,
were likely to reduce aggression, noncompliance and defiance in
children with developmental disabilities, such as autism and learning
disabilities. Professor Matt Sanders said the study’s findings were important
as children with developmental disabilities were much more likely than
typically developing children to develop aggressive or disruptive
behaviour.
“It’s important that parents of children with disabilities who are
concerned about their behaviour seek help now to prevent more serious
problems occurring later in life,” Professor Sanders said.
“Cases of aggression and self-injury, such as head banging, in children with developmental disabilities can get worse with age.
“What many parents may not realise is that they could actually be
reinforcing the behaviour they are seeking to reduce, because they are
inadvertently rewarding that behaviour.”
Professor Sanders said the study also cited evidence which showed
that mothers of children with developmental disabilities were more
likely to display symptoms of depression and anxiety than parents of
typically developing children.
“We know that parent stress can actually exacerbate disruptive behaviours in children with disabilities,” he said.
“There’s a diversity of opinions about how best to deal with
behaviour problems in children with disabilities so it’s important
parents feel confident that the type of help they are seeking has been
shown to work.’’
”This study is important verification of the work conducted by our researchers in the development of Stepping Stones Triple P.’’
Stepping Stones Triple P is available free to parents of children
with disabilities in Queensland and Victoria and will soon be available
in New South Wales.
More information for parents is available on the Stepping Stones Triple P website: http://www.triplep-steppingstones.net
Media: UQ’s Parenting and Family Support Centre Media Advisor Paddy Hintz, 0431 70682 or email p.hintz@uq.edu.au
Families who have taken part in the program are available for interview on request.