Neurodevelopmental Therapy adherence in Australian parent-child dyads: The impact of parental stress

Tracks
Grand Ballroom 1
Friday, March 22, 2019
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
Grand Ballroom 1

Overview

Nindy Brouwers and Sharna Loader


Presenter

Ms Nindy Brouwers

Neurodevelopmental Therapy adherence in Australian parent-child dyads: The impact of parental stress

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM

Abstract

Families with neurodevelopmental disorders engage in varied types and intensities of therapies to address behavioural, communication and cognitive challenges. Research suggests that consistent practice predicts positive therapy outcomes. The present study examined therapy adherence in 55 parent-child dyads where all children had been diagnosed with ASD, ADHD and/or ID. Parents completed questionnaires assessing demographics, therapy type and intensity, adherence to child treatment, parental stress, and challenging child behaviour. The researchers proposed a new scale, the Child Therapy Adherence Scale (CTAS), which initial testing supported as a reliable measure of therapy adherence. Significant relationships were found between parental stress, annual household income, and therapy adherence, with parental stress being a notably strong predictor of therapy adherence. No significant relationships were observed between child challenging behaviour, single parent status, and therapy adherence. These findings have implications for practitioners, in that parent and demographic influences may impact capacity to adhere to recommended home practice and interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Biography

Nindy Brouwers has completed her psychology education (BSc followed by MSc in Developmental Psychology) in the Netherlands and completed placement in educational settings working with children with diverse presentations, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, trauma and attachment difficulties. She has settled in Australia and is working towards general registration as a psychologist while balancing school psychology, private practice and academic efforts.
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Mrs Sharna Loader

Neurodevelopmental Therapy adherence in Australian parent-child dyads: The impact of parental stress

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM

Biography

Sharna has recently completed her fourth year of psychology studies while working in behaviour support with the NDIS. Sharna has a passion for working with families with disabilities and aims to continue research in this area.

Session Chairs

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Paul Bertoia
Conference committee


Student Volunteers

Tristan Chooi
University of Tasmania

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Kim Rosevear
Monash University

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