Training for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities, including autism
More than 50 million children have a developmental disability such as an intellectual disability, autism, or a speech disorder. Without appropriate support, these conditions often limit these children’s ability to benefit from the educational and social opportunities that others take for granted. They are often denied access to school and are more likely to experience violence, neglect, and other forms of abuse. Their caregivers are often stigmatised, isolated and impoverished. Despite this, most children with developmental disabilities and their families do not have access to the care and support they need.
For caregivers of children with developmental disabilities, parenting programmes can be particularly beneficial in increasing their confidence and parenting skills. They can also lead to improved well-being of both caregivers and children.
In view of this, WHO, along with international partners, has developed a five-part package on Caregivers Skills Training for families of children with developmental delays or disabilities (CST) (the 5 CST documents are available below).
Caregiver skills training for families of children with developmental delays or disabilities
The CST consists of nine group sessions and three individual home visits, and focuses on training the caregiver on how to use everyday play and home activities and routines as opportunities for enhanced interaction and participation, development and learning. The sessions specifically address communication, engagement, daily living skills, challenging behaviour and caregiver coping strategies.
An online version of the training, targeted at caregivers, is available.
To register for the online training:
Register on WHO Academy: Click here
To start the course: Open the course then click on the button: Enroll
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