Reconstructing misconceptions of parents about Intellectual Disability in community

Abstract:

Background: Deeply rooted misconceptions lead to shaping individual beliefs and attitudes.  The misconceptions about persons with intellectual disabilities are largely accepted by people without any scientific logic or knowledge. Misconceptions have to be reconstructed so as to avoid negative thinking and stigmatization. 

Aims: The purpose of the present study was designed to know the misconception of parents about intellectual disability in one of the suburban areas in Lucknow and evaluate the impact of the awareness program on community attitudes.

Method: Using the NIMH–GEMS Questionnaire, data were collected from families having intellectual disabilities.

Results: The findings reveal a high prevalence of misconceptions related to karma, fate, black magic, and the curability of intellectual disability. All participants (100%) believed intellectual disability is caused by karma, black magic, or eclipse, and 90% of them believed it is a punishment for parents. The awareness program demonstrated positive improvement in community understanding, highlighting the need for sustained interventions, parental training, and policy-level support.

 KEYWORDS: Misconception, intellectual disability, parents, community.