Strengthening Maternal Caregiving Capacities of Children with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Caregiving for children with intellectual disability (ID) is a continuous, lifelong, and demanding responsibility that primarily falls on immediate caregivers. In the Indian context, mothers of children with IDs significantly bear this brunt. While the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and other allied laws promote inclusion and development of persons with disabilities, little attention is given to the psychological well-being of caregivers. Maternal caregivers are seen as a rare exception in this scenario. This study examines caregiver stress among mothers of children with ID in the North Zone of Vadodara district, Gujarat, with particular emphasis on variables of anxiety, emotional experience, resilience, and coping strategies among maternal caregivers. The findings of the study highlight moderate-level anxiety, along with increased financial strain and community stigma among respondents. The study also demonstrates resilience building through positive thinking, family support, religious faith, and increased understanding about caregiver roles as positive factors that strengthen the maternal caregiving capacities of children with ID. The study sheds light on the need for caregiver-focused counselling, awareness at the community level, and development of family-centred support systems to enhance maternal caregiver well-being, that can aid in improved standards of care for children with ID.