BUSHkids Annual Report | 2023-24

Annual Report • 2023–24

Key findings of BUSHkids’ ADHD Parent Education and Support Group Program

1

Knowledge and skills improvement

2 Community connection The program fostered a

3 Need for educator support The increasing number of ADHD diagnoses highlighted the necessity for professional development tailored for teachers. A learning support teacher noted, “The number of students being diagnosed with ADHD is growing each term, so a PD opportunity like this would be extremely beneficial.”

Parents/carers said they had better understanding and felt empowered to support their children’s social-emotional wellbeing. “The group has been invaluable. At our early stage in the journey, it has been excellent groundwork to understand the ADHD brain and child, ” said one mother.

supportive community among parents who experience geographical and emotional isolation. “I loved connecting with parents in the same situation. It allowed me to have support from other parents, even after the program finished,” a father remarked.

Innovative practice develops shared online learning … view at ► https://t.ly/2pA9t BUSHkids Lead Psychologist Kaitlin Hinchliffe, together with some of the parents and educators who participated in the initial trials of this internally-developed interactive resource, speak about the program: digital readers may click to watch the video; print edition readers can type the short link above into a browser or scan the QR code to see BUSHkids 2024 videos.

Impact analysis Preliminary analyses show

Future directions Building on this initial success, the program is being adapted into an

This innovative BUSHkids program for addressing the challenge of ADHD in regional, rural and remote locations is fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all involved. We now hope to partner with First Nations communities to further develop the program.

improved knowledge and skills essential for parents/caregivers to support their children. The program helps fill the service gaps in rural and remote Queensland, enhancing equitable access to health services for isolated groups.

educator workshop to: ► enhance educators’

understanding of ADHD ► build their confidence and capacity to effectively support students with ADHD.

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