SEMARANG — The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro (FK Undip), in collaboration with the University of Bath, United Kingdom, held a scientific seminar titled “Parents as people: the Importance of Supporting Parents of Children with Additional Needs.”
This event was part of the Inauguration of Adjunct Professor series, conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Tembalang, on Monday (November 10, 2025).
The seminar featured Dr. Faith Martin from the Department of Psychology, University of Bath, who emphasized the crucial role of parents in supporting the growth and development of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, ADHD, and developmental delays.
“Neglecting parents’ needs risks undermining recovery for the whole family,” said Dr. Martin, highlighting the importance of considering parents’ mental health as an integral part of children’s care and well-being.
She explained that emotional stress, social stigma, and limited access to health services often worsen parents’ psychological well-being. Findings from her cross-cultural studies conducted in Malaysia, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom revealed similar patterns of emotional burden, guilt, and unmet needs for social support among parents in diverse settings.
Dr. Martin also noted that most psychological interventions still focus primarily on children, while the emotional needs of parents are often overlooked. She introduced the Parent as Person Framework, an approach that places parental well-being at the core of family support systems.
This framework underscores that parents’ emotional well-being is not merely a secondary outcome of child care but a key factor in strengthening families’ ability to navigate challenges.
“Their emotional needs are systemic needs. Supporting parents means supporting the whole system,” Dr. Martin remarked.
Through this seminar, the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international research collaborations in mental health, family studies, and community well-being. The discussion also opened new opportunities for joint research and the development of cross-cultural interventions, particularly in middle-income countries such as Indonesia.
With a human-centered and evidence-based approach, this collaboration between FK Undip and the University of Bath represents a strategic step toward strengthening psychosocial and medical research networks, as well as improving community health and resilience.