UNDERSTANDING THE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS

Abstract

This study aims to describe the understanding and expectations of parents towards children with Intellectual Disability (ID). Children with ID have advantages, they have the potential to win, even at the level of world championships, such as the Special Olympics. However, there are still parents of children with ID who do not know their child's potential. They still wonder about what they can expect from children with ID. In addition, although parents of children with ID help their children in therapy, there are still some of them who do not fully understand the concept of ID. To find out aspects of understanding and expectations of parents of children with ID, the researchers conducted interviews with four parents (mothers) of children with ID. Researchers explored the understanding of parents (mothers) regarding what they know about the concept of ID. In addition, researchers also explored their expectations for their children with ID. This research used two questionnaires, namely the Parent’s Understanding of ID Scale and the Parental Expectations on ID Scale. The Parent's Understanding of ID Scale consists of 50 items, while the Parental Expectations on ID Scale consist of 10 items. These two scales were developed by researchers based on various literatures. Based on the interviews related to understanding ID, the results obtained: (a) parents stated that they lack information about ID, (b) parents began to know that their children have ID when their children were unable to speak at the age of 12 months, and (c) parents were told by doctor that if the child is unable to walk until the age of 18 months, it is one of the signs that the child has ID. Regarding the expectations toward children with ID, the results show that parents expect: (a) their children will not experience bullying in the community, (b) their children will easily find schools that are suitable for ID, and (c) parents can accompany their children, especially if they are outside.