Survey shows parents of disabled children face double the psychological distress

In a nationwide Parenting Today survey of more than 10,000 caregivers, parents of children with disability under the age of nine were found to be twice as likely to suffer psychological distress and nearly twice as likely to rate their health as poor. The study, conducted by the Parenting Research Centre, also revealed higher levels of loneliness, frustration and guilt among these parents, with 48% reporting loneliness versus 31% of other caregivers.

Researchers attributed the heightened stress to cost-of-living pressures and confusion surrounding the upcoming Thriving Kids program, which will shift some families from the National Disability Insurance Scheme to community-based supports starting in October. Advocates such as Skye Kakoschke-Moore of Children and Young People with Disability Australia warned that insufficient support could force families to consider placing children into care.

While peer-support initiatives like the My Time program provide a lifeline for many, participants like Sarah Galea describe daily life as a constant survival mode, with limited time for respite or parenting courses. The government maintains that the Thriving Kids model, designed by an expert advisory group, will ultimately enhance families' skills and access to targeted services.