A study published in the European Journal of Health Economics examines how children’s disabilities and special healthcare needs impact parental employment in Australia. Utilizing data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, the research analyzes the employment status of mothers and fathers across multiple family units. Findings reveal that mothers are significantly less likely to be employed if they have a child with a disability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.81) or with special healthcare needs (aOR = 0.87). The combination of both conditions further decreases mothers’ employment likelihood (aOR = 0.69). For fathers, the presence of a child with a disability correlates with a 40% reduction in employment odds (aOR = 0.60). The study highlights the substantial challenges faced by families with children who have disabilities or special healthcare needs. It underscores the need for policymakers to enhance support systems, such as access to necessary services and resources, to improve employment outcomes for parents and overall family well-being.