Easter Seals Ontario has been asked to share information about a research study that may be of interest to families of children with cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders, age 3 to 14 years. Easter Seals is not part of the study; however, families may be interested in checking the project website to find out more and consider whether they want to participate.
The research trial is being conducted by IWK Health Centre and McGill University for families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities who also experience behaviours that are having a negative impact on the activities of daily life.
The study is looking for parents of children between 3-14 years, diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder (for example, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Global Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)) or severe learning disability or any other diagnosis that influences how their child gets around, communicates their ideas, processes what they hear, or remembers things. PLEASE NOTE: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is included but CANNOT be the only diagnosis (i.e., the child must also have another neurodevelopmental diagnosis to be eligible).
The study will test the effectiveness of an online program, “Parents Empowering Neurodiverse Kids”, which was adapted from an existing Strongest Families program with the help of parents and clinicians.
Children with brain-based developmental disorders often face emotional and behavioural difficulties. These challenges can negatively impact their quality of life and the quality of life of their families. Drs. Patrick McGrath (Centre for Research in Family Health) and Lucyna Lach (McGill University) as part of the CHILD-BRIGHT Network are testing an online parenting program designed to improve the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Development of the program has involved parents as expert advisors in all phases of the project, ensuring program content addresses the needs of families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and challenging behaviours.
The Strongest Families Neurodevelopmental Program, “Parents Empowering Neurodiverse Kids”, has been developed to deliver evidence-based care to families in the comfort of their own homes. The program includes 11 skill-based education sessions, weekly telephone support from trained coaches, video/audio skill demonstrations, and a Parent-to-Parent online support group.
You can also take the survey to find out if participating in the research study might be for you.
