Knowledge Café: Supporting parents of adolescents and young people with intellectual disabilities

EASPD and Parents Plus are together hosting a webinar on a programme that helps guide parents who have children with intellectual disabilities on 2nd February 2023 at 14h00 CET.  (1pm Irish Time)

The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme is an evidence-based  therapeutic and supportive programme delivered over 6 to 12 weeks to small groups of parents raising an adolescent with an intellectual disability who may also have an additional diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The programme covers a variety of challenges that parents of adolescents with intellectual disabilities might face such as: 

  • Managing behaviour and emotional problems
  • Dealing with puberty, sexuality and relationships
  • Support all relationships in the family
  • Build self-esteem and confidence
  • Advocate for their child or adolescent
  • Support education and development
  • Prepare their child for adulthood and future transitions

This programme is also open to professionals who provide support to parents who have adolescents with disabilities. The webinar will also focus on how this programme was created in collaboration with parents, along with giving insights on the proven benefits of doing this programme. 

14h00 – 14h10Introduction from EASPD
14h10 – 15h10Presentation of the Parents Plus ProgrammeCiara Ni Raghallaigh, Parents Plus  
15h10 – 15h30Q and A Session