Dr Jan Andren1
1Healthy Hearing, Queensland Health, South Brisbane, Australia
Research has highlighted that Deaf/ Hard of Hearing (HoH) children are three times more likely to have mental health issues than the general population (Laugen, et.al., 2016; Fellinger, et. al., 2012; Fellinger, Holzinger, Sattel, Laucht & Goldberg, 2009); poorer theory of mind development (Petersen, O’Reilly & Wellman, 2016; Petersen, 2009) and issues with emotional/ pragmatic understanding that can impact on many developmental domains (Stevenson, McCann, Watkins, Worsfold, & Kennedy, 2010; Fellinger, et. al., 2012). Deaf/ HoH children are more likely to be physically disciplined; and victims of physical, emotional and sexual abused, increasing risk of mental health issues (Knutson, et.al., 2004). Further, 90-95% deaf / HoH children are born to hearing parents, impacting on communication and emotional understanding within the family (Moores, 2001).
Early Interventions in the family has a strong evidence base, highlighting they can change attachment classifications, enhancing a child’s developmental trajectory (Hoffman, Marvin, Cooper & Powell, 2006). The Family Support service in Healthy Hearing in Queensland is in a unique situation with the opportunity and resources to provide early intervention to families of deaf/ hard of hearing children. A survey regarding service development and delivery was distributed to both clients (past and present) and stakeholders (Audiologists, Speech Pathologists, Teachers, Social Workers, Nurses, Psychologists and Doctors) in both the private and public sectors across Queensland. Both Qualitative and Quantitative data were gathered and indicated overwhelming support for a change in service delivery that includes therapeutic intervention for caregiver wellbeing, parenting support and child behaviour. Results were also supportive of the Family Support service contacting families when their child is two and four years of age, with the aim of assessing the child’s and family’s wellbeing. A proposed model of care will be discussed in relation to family impact and future directions for early parenting intervention in this community.
Biography:
Dr Jan Andren is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in perinatal and infant mental health. She has worked with young families throughout her career and has extensive experience in child behaviour and parenting interventions. Jan joined the Healthy Hearing team in Queensland in early 2021 in their Family Support service.