Parents and caregivers of children with additional needs often have higher levels of stress than parents of typically developing children. Parental stress can impact a caregiver’s overall mental health and, in turn, can damage the all-important relationship between parent and child. Concerningly, 45% of parents and caregivers at AEIOU met the threshold for high or clinically high stress when their child first enrolled.
Mariah Hartshorn, Manager, Family Support, says when families first enquire with AEIOU, they’re often overwhelmed.
“These families are reading all about autism and what their child’s new diagnosis will mean. It’s a lot to take in. Sometimes, they tell us we’re the first ones to sit with them, make that space for them, and help them understand what their next steps might look like.”
Best-practice early childhood early intervention is holistic, rooted in the understanding that quality of life is impacted by physical, mental and social needs. Just as a child requires support to help them develop new skills and reach individual development milestones, it is equally important to equip their family with the skills required to best support a child with additional needs.
AEIOU’s dedicated Family Support team, with enrolment specialists and expert NDIS advisors, empowers families to navigate funding conversations and connects them with the right support.
For Mariah, education is at the heart of how her team supports families. “Our goal is to equip families with accurate information, right from their initial enquiry with us. We are fully-versed on what it means to enrol in an intensive support therapy service, and if this is the service for them.
“We don’t want to take anything away from families – we’re here to empower them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and seek the right support for their child.”
Mariah encourages health professionals to connect families with AEIOU early if they’re looking for support or guidance. “This is a great team. Whether it’s through AEIOU or another support service, we help families make sure they get the support they need.”
To contact AEIOU’s Family Support team, email info@aeiou.org.au or phone 07 3320 7500.
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