Abstract
Back ground: The child with mental retardation has special needs in addition to the regular needs of all children, and parents can find themselves over whelmed by various medical, care giving, financial and educational responsibilities. Government of India, “The National Policy on Mental Handicap”, has emphasized the importance of home-based care with parents as partners in the care process. Aim: To understand the positive and negative effects on parents of Mentally Retarded children by using National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped Disability Impact Scale (NIMH-DIS). Material and methods:Two intelligence tests [Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) and Developmental Screening Test (DST)] have been selected.Study sample is selected by purposive sampling method and categorized into three groups. Results: Parents of Mentally retarded children are impacted more by lifting & carrying the child (percentage of obtained score = 41.7), toileting (percentage ofobtained score = 40.6) and bathing (percentage of obtained score = 40). Maximum negative impact is on physical care (percentage of NIMH-DIS score = 35.5), followed by financial (percentage of NIMH-DIS score = 33.9) and loss of support (percentage of NIMH-DIS score = 33). Conclusion: It is not necessary for every parent having a Mental Retardation child to have negative impact but in some this can bring a positive impact, like acceptance of the situation realistically and standing right behind the Mental Retardation child to provide support.
Highlights
The birth of a baby is singularly, the most important joyous occasion in the life of any parent
The child with mental retardation has special needs in addition to the regular needs of all children, and parents can find themselves over whelmed by various medical, care giving, financial and educational responsibilities
It does not imply that birth of a mentally retarded child has a negative impact on all parents as in some it has been observed to have a positive influence on their personality, bringing out a Manuscript received: 10th September 2018 Reviewed: 20th September 2018 Author Corrected: 28th September 2018 Accepted for Publication: 3rd October 2018
Summary
The birth of a baby is singularly, the most important joyous occasion in the life of any parent. Hitherto hidden mental strength in rising to the occasion and forming a firm support base for their child. This adaptation mechanism on behalf of the parents is inturn dependent on several personal and social factors including the psychological makeup of the parents, their education, attitudes, religious beliefs, social support system and monetary aspects. Raising such a child requires emotional strength and flexibility. It does not imply that birth of a mentally retarded child has a negative impact on all parents as in some it has been observed to have a positive influence on their personality, bringing out a Manuscript received: 10th September 2018 Reviewed: 20th September 2018 Author Corrected: 28th September 2018 Accepted for Publication: 3rd October 2018
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Pediatric Review: International Journal of Pediatric Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
