Challenges and Concerns of Families for Mentally Retarded

Mental Retardation- the two words put together perpetuates offence of the worst variety. But then, can its existence be denied?

Looking at the surge in the cases off late, clearly not. Yet, there are people, especially parents, children or relatives of the people affected by it who can’t bring themselves to deal with the situation. Acceptance, denial, self-blame- these are only few of the roadblocks that come in the way of a comprehensive solution to the malaise, says a special education teacher.

          Acceptance:

Once the news of the child’s inability to learn and grow as a normal kid breaks out, the family of the child finds it but difficult to come to terms with the situation. While many families tend to go from one doctor to another to for a cure, they forget that mental retarded is not a disease but a syndrome caused by genetic factors. The parents need to take action to enable the child to make most of his potential by involving him in all activities. Taking him to doctors and seeking medication for him won’t do any good.

           Self-blame:

More often than not, parents blame themselves for the condition of their child, says a teacher from a mentally retarded school. They feel that it is their lack of care and concern that the child is being made to bear the brunt of.

             Stigma:

Prejudices and stigma associated with the condition stall the growth of the child more than anything else does. Most parents feel that it is a matter of shame that their child is not like others. As a result, they keep their children in confines of their homes and seldom allow them to live a normal life.

      Behaviour problems:

Not all parents can take the condition in their stride and take care of it patiently. Patience wears thin when parents have to put up with the odd behaviour of their child in addition to handling house chores and work.