This study described the feelings about intellectual disabilities in children without disabilities and examined the effects of an information program about these. The study included 40 children in two classes in the second year of a state school in a city in São Paulo. One of the classes participated as a control group. All children underwent pre- and post-study tests in the form of individual interviews on the subject. The experimental group participated in the information program comprising weekly meetings lasting 13.5 h in total, in which the limitations and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, specialized care, their education, and their family, and social aspects using various recreational and educational strategies were discussed. Data collected from the interviews were categorized and analyzed for their content. The program allowed a better understanding of intellectual disability, reduced confusion with other disabilities and diseases, and increased perception of the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, feelings associated with pity reported in the pre-test did not decrease with the program, indicating that the information provided was insufficient for acting on that affective sphere. Future studies should consider these aspects and find strategies for achieving cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral aspects.
School Inclusion; Emotions; Children; Mental retardation