New Delhi – A new study by researchers from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela has highlighted the urgent need to extend disability support services to include health screening and stress management for caregivers, particularly parents of children with developmental disabilities.
The study, published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, emphasized that while disability rights have gained recognition, the physical, emotional, and financial strain on caregivers often goes unnoticed.
Focusing on parents of children with developmental conditions such as autism and ADHD, the researchers found that the continuous demands of caregiving can lead to severe physical and emotional exhaustion. Many caregivers—especially mothers—reported symptoms including chronic fatigue, headaches, ulcers, and persistent pain due to the stress of managing behavioral, sensory, and self-care challenges of their children.
The study also noted that while stress impacts physical health, it doesn’t fully explain other pressures like financial burden. Social stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate access to specialized care worsen the situation in India, often leaving families isolated without proper support from their communities or extended families.
To address this, the researchers recommended integrating caregiver health screening and stress-relief programs into existing pediatric disability services. They also called for the creation of community-based “one-stop” support centers that provide combined access to medical, psychological, and financial assistance.
“While disability rights are rightly acknowledged, the vital role of caregivers often goes unrecognized. Raising a child with developmental disabilities shouldn’t fall solely on the parents—it’s a collective responsibility shared by families, communities, and society,” said Dr. Ramakrishna Biswal, Associate Professor at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIT Rourkela.
The study surveyed 400 parents of children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities.
Dr. Biswal added, “Caregiving is a demanding journey, but with empathetic, non-judgmental support from trusted individuals and communities, caregivers can find strength and meaning. It’s time we recognize their rights and ensure they lead lives of dignity and well-being.”
With inputs from IANS