Child rearing practice in families of children with intellectual disability : a case study of families receiving services from the special education center, region one and special education center, Suandusit Rajabhat University, Bangkok
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to study child rearing practice in families of children with intellectual disability, the management of the problems and needs of the families in rearing the children, as well as assistance received from government agencies concerned. Eight sample families of children with intellectual disability were studied by qualitative research methodology involving in-depth interview and observation of family environment and behavior practice. Then, the information collected was summarized and presented in narrative description. The results showed that the family reaction was either acceptance or non-acceptance of the disability. The main care-taker is usually the mother, looking after the disabled child and other family members, as well as providing stimulation for development. The problems of the disabled children included health problems, cooperation with medical professionals, development stimulation, and information access. Family problems varied from economic problems, relationship of the parents and between the disabled child and siblings. Needs of families found are a helper to take care of the child, time sharing with other family members, moral and emotional support, assistance with daily necessities, effective and quick health care. For the future needs, the families want to see improvement in development; and their children mainstreamed with normal children in a regular school. They also want someone to replace them in taking care of the child in the future. The formal assistance services provided by the Ministry of Social Development and Welfare are as follows: a living allowance and free medical care from government hospitals. From the Special Education Center, they received services on stimulation for development and preparation for education of the children with intellectual disability. In addition, the families also receive informal support from the community. Recommendations: 1) Promotion of family planning for the couple to prevent the disability prior to the pregnancy. 2) Both government and non-government agencies should participate in promoting self-help groups for the families. 3) Development of a variety of counseling services to respond to the changing needs of families and community. 4) More support for the research study concerning the families of children with all kinds of disabilities.