“Psycho-Social Challenges Of Parents Raising Children With Intellectual Disabilities: A Study In Wayanad District, Kerala.”

Abstract

Raising a child with Intellectual Disability (ID) poses significant psychosocial challenges for parents, particularly in rural areas like Wayanad, Kerala, where access to specialized services is limited. This quantitative study explores parental stress, financial burden, social stigma, and coping strategies through structured surveys with randomly selected parents of children with ID. Findings reveal high levels of stress, anxiety, and economic hardship, influenced by limited healthcare access, job instability, and social exclusion. The study emphasizes the need for family-centered interventions, improved healthcare services, and targeted support programs to enhance parental resilience and promote social inclusion.