A study of available family support for persons with intellectual disability in the community

Abstract:Background: In India, informal support services are backbone of entire rehabilitation process of children with intellectual disability. Caregiving for persons with intellectual disability is predominantly family based, with parents, siblings, grand-parents and extended relatives forming the core support group. Despite policy advances and disability legislation, formal support services remain limited, unevenly distributed, and often inaccessible, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. It is important to understand that families having children with intellectual disability are often isolated, stigmatized and marginalized in community (Murthy, 2025).

Consequently, informal support services play a critical role in caregiving and promoting wellbeing of persons with intellectual disability.

Aim & objective: The main objective of the study was to assess available support; quantum of support being utilized and their satisfaction level with support being received by the families having children with intellectual disability in chosen community.

Method: The methodology used in the present study was field survey to identify various sources and quantum of support available in the family having children with intellectual disability in the selected community.

Results: All families in the study were utilizing support of mother (100%), followed by fathers (40%), paternal grand-mother (30%), paternal grand- father (20%), siblings (20%), paternal aunt/uncle (20%) and maternal grand-mother (10). Six families having children with intellectual disability were satisfied with support and four families were not satisfied with support available in the family.

Key Words: Family support, Intellectual disability, informal support.