Qualitative Analysis of Counselling Approaches for Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

About 18% of children in India (2-9 years of age) have neurodevelopmental disorders in rural areas and 13% in cities. Data derived from five multidisciplinary intervention centres (including monthly parental counselling) in Mumbai for children with special needs, forms the reference for this study. Evidence-based counselling practices like Behavioural Modification and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy undergo key adaptations for parents in the Indian context. The current qualitative analysis describes these adaptations (60 counselling sessions; parents of 10 representative children). Discussion includes a focus on acceptance of disability by parents; embedding counselling within all components of an intervention program; goal-driven counselling; tailored home-programs to institute sustainable management of disabilities; and counselling goals that are jointly agreed upon by counsellors and parents.