Parents' experiences in registering with and accessing funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme for early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities.

AIM: To evaluate parents' feedback regarding their experience in registering and accessing funding with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and communicating with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). METHODS: Parents of children less than 7 years of age, who were assessed through the Child Development Unit (CDU) at the Women's and Children's Health Network from July 2013 to June 2014 and referred to the NDIS, were invited to complete a study questionnaire regarding their experience with the NDIS. The questionnaire was initially mailed to the parents. If no response was returned, families were telephoned to complete the questionnaire by phone or to be sent another copy of the questionnaire to complete. RESULTS: Of 121 children eligible for the study, 42 (34.7%) parents completed the questionnaire. Thirty-six (85.7%) parents reported having no difficulty with the NDIS registration process, while six parents (14.3%) had difficulty. With regards to accessing funding, 27 (64.3%) reported having no difficulty, 11 (26.2%) stated that it was difficult and 4 parents did not comment. Twenty-six parents (61.9%) reported that it was easy to communicate with the NDIA, while 12 (28.6%) found it difficult. Overall, 26 (61.9%) parents were satisfied with the NDIS and NDIA, 6 (14.8%) were unsatisfied and 9 (21.4%) were neutral. CONCLUSION: The majority of parents were satisfied with both the processes required to register and access funding through the NDIS for early intervention services for their children with developmental disabilities, and their ability to communicate with the NDIA.

Time demands of caring for children with cerebral palsy: what are the implications for maternal mental health?

AIM: To examine the relationship between maternal mental health problems and the time required by mothers to care for children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 158 mothers of children with cerebral palsy (98 males, 60 females; mean age 11y 3mo, range 6-17y). Gross Motor Function Classification System levels of the children were 37% level I, 20% level II, 9% level III, 12% level IV, and 22% level V. Manual Ability Classification System levels were 19% level I, 27% level II, 22% level III, 13% level IV, and 19% level V. Maternal mental health problems were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. A time-diary was used to measure caregiving time. Experience of time pressure was assessed using the Time Crunch Scale. RESULTS: On average, mothers spent 6.0 hours per 24 hours on weekdays and 8.3 hours per 24 hours on weekends caring for children with CP. There was a significant positive relationship between maternal psychological problems and both caregiving time required per 24 hours (p = 0.03) and mothers' experience of time pressure (p < 0.001). There was also a significant positive association between maternal depressive symptoms and experience of time pressure (p = 0.003). INTERPRETATION: It is important to support mothers to find ways of reducing the real and perceived impact of caregiving. This might include identifying sources of 'respite' support for caregivers, training in stress and time management, and appropriate treatment of mental health problems.