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Characterization of families of mothers with intellectual disabilities and the effects on the children's development

The way in which parents educate their children seems to be crucial to promoting appropriate behaviors, but most families find it difficult to educate their children. Families of parents with intellectual disability can be at risk for the children's development. Studies that aim to diagnose, describe and intervene, while empowering these mothers in order to minimize these risks, are important and necessary. This study describes a family about which there was suspicion that the mother presented intellectual disabilities; it discusses their stressors, and some effects of multiple stressors on children's development and adherence to intervention programs. The family was followed for four years and the children were evaluated during this period to follow up on their development. The study also included assessment of the mother's disability and orientation of the family. There were weekly hour and a half visits. The findings confirm those seen in the literature, i.e. that children showed delayed development for their age. Other risk factors present were: poverty, low parental education, family violence, alcoholism, that worsened the problems. The results suggest the importance of taking care of this population and addressing public policies to minimize the effects of this kind of situation.

Special Education; Family; Intellectual Disability; Risk; Child Development


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