By Heather Buzuzi
The Wasu Post | July 9, 2025
Mutare – Parents of children living with Autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are being encouraged to include their home helpers in coaching programs aimed at improving care and support for affected children.
This initiative, which promotes specialized training for domestic workers, is being led by child development coaches who believe that empowering caregivers in the home is essential to fostering a consistent and nurturing environment for neurodivergent children.
“Many parents don’t realize how critical their home helpers are in shaping the day-to-day experience of a child with Autism or ADHD,” said Joicey Ali-Francisco, the Director of Munashe The Stone Trust that specializes in supporting children and young people with Learning difficulties and their families. “With the right coaching, these helpers can offer consistent care, manage behaviors, and build trust with the child.”
The program focuses on equipping home helpers with tools to handle routines, emotional outbursts, and sensory sensitivities issues commonly faced by children with developmental conditions.
Benefits for children include improved communication, emotional security, and reduced anxiety due to consistent and informed care. For home helpers, the coaching increases confidence and reduces stress by offering clear strategies and expectations in managing the child’s needs.
“Training empowers them to become more than just caretakers, they become part of the child’s development team,” she added.
Parents interested in enrolling their home helpers for coaching sessions can contact 0772 594 161. Francisco believe that investing in caregiver education is a direct investment in the long-term well-being and growth of children with Autism and ADHD.