Related Experiment Videos
Afghan children and mental retardation: information, advocacy and prospects
1Mental Health Centre, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Insights
Children with mental retardation in Afghanistan face neglect, particularly compared to those with physical or visual impairments. Enhancing family resources and integrating support services are key strategies for improving care.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Special Education
- Afghan Studies
Background:
- Children with mental retardation in Afghanistan experience unique challenges due to cultural context and ongoing civil war.
- Existing formal services primarily address physical and visual impairments, leaving mental and hearing impairments comparatively underserved.
- Casual integration of children with disabilities into mainstream schools and kindergartens occurs but requires formal support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the family and community situation of children with mental retardation in Afghanistan.
- To identify gaps in services for children with mental and hearing impairments.
- To propose strategies for supporting children with learning difficulties and disabilities within their cultural context.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of the socio-cultural environment impacting children with mental retardation.
- Review of existing service provision for children with disabilities in Afghanistan.
- Exploration of potential integration and support strategies within Afghan communities.
Main Results:
- Mental retardation and hearing impairments are significantly neglected compared to physical and visual impairments due to a lack of specialized skills and slower perceived progress.
- Informal integration into regular educational settings is happening and should be encouraged and formalized.
- Family counseling experiences can be built upon by involving local healers and indigenous counselors.
Conclusions:
- The primary strategy for supporting children with mental retardation in Afghanistan should focus on strengthening and enhancing family resources.
- Further development and integration of services are needed, particularly for children with mental and hearing impairments.
- Leveraging community structures and indigenous knowledge is crucial for effective support systems.
Abstract:
The family and community situation of children with mental retardation (learning difficulties/disabilities) is discussed within the Afghan cultural heritage and the current realities of civil war and refugee villages. Some formal services are being developed for children with physical and visual impairments. Mental retardation and hearing impairments are comparatively neglected, as skills are lacking and progress tends to be much slower. Some casual integration occurs in ordinary schools and kindergartens, which should be supported. Experiences in family counselling can be developed and also extended by enlisting indigenous counsellors and healers. The major strategy for the foreseeable future will be support and enhancement of family resources.