Current Status and Issues of Healthcare Policies for Persons with Developmental Disorders in Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, the United Nations' call for disability-incluCurrent Status and Issues of Healthcare Policies for Persons with Developmental Disorders in Southeast Asiasive development faces challenges, including limited participation of individuals with disabilities and inadequate support for their organisations. This report focuses on parents of children with developmental disorders, whose unique struggles are often intensified by cultural and socioeconomic factors. These parents experience isolation, emotional distress, and a lack of knowledge regarding care options. However, parent training, mentoring, and group coaching programmes are emerging as vital sources of support, empowering parents with essential skills and fostering a sense of community. The newly developed ‘Parent Training, Mentoring, and Coaching Guidebook’ is a groundbreaking resource, equipping parents with valuable knowledge while enabling them to become mentors for others and access professional coaches to help them achieve a better quality of life. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance parenting skills and improve the quality of life for families affected by developmental disorders. This report synthesises research findings and explodes the goals, methods, and impacts of these programmes, offering crucial insights for parents, caregivers, educators, and policymakers in the ASEAN region.