Intellectually Disabled Children and Their Parents’ Problems: Preliminary Evaluation and the Suggestion of Effective Strategies

Abstract

Objectives: Apart from the functional problems that disability creates for the disabled, it has negative effects on parents as well. Thus, identifying these problems plays a decisive role in the health of the family. In this regard, the present study aimed to determine the psychosocial problems of the parents of intellectually disabled children (IDC) receiving services from the Iranian State Welfare Organization in Khorramabad. Materials and Methods: Participants consisted of the parents of IDC receiving services from the State Welfare Organization of Iran, in Khorramabad during 2015. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire including demographic items and items related to psychological and social problems. The parents of 144 IDC participated in the study and completed the questionnaire via interviews at home. Results: All parents suffered from psychosocial difficulties although, on average, mothers had more problems due to their different roles in families. Finally, a significant relationship was found between parents’ education and the gender of the IDC (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The impact of disability on parents depends on the severity of the disability and parents’ coping skills, abilities, and capabilities.