Dysfunction Among Families of Children with Intellectual Disability in India Using Systems Model: Prevalence, Pattern, and Severity of Impairment

Objectives: Family dysfunction is observed in families with children with intellectual disability (ID). We study the prevalence, pattern of dysfunction, and severity of impairment in these special families using Systems approach.

Methods: Sixty-two special families (a child with ID) and 62 typical families (all children with typical development) were included in the present study. The presence of ID was confirmed and quantified with the Binet-Kamat Scale of intelligence or Gesell's Developmental Schedule and Vineland Social Maturity Scales among the special families. In the typical families, brief ID scale was used to rule out ID. Prevalence, pattern, and severity of family dysfunction were assessed using Family Apgar Scale, Chicago Youth Development Study Family Assessment Scale and Global Assessment of Relational Functioning Scale, respectively. Appropriate bivariate analyses were used.

Results: About 53% of special families and 19% of typical families had family dysfunction. About 21% of special families and 71% of typical families had the satisfactory relational unit. Areas of adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, resolve, beliefs about family, beliefs about development, beliefs about purpose, cohesion, deviant beliefs, support, organization, and communication were significantly different between special and typical families. The functional impairment was significantly more in the special families.

Conclusion: Family dysfunction is more prevalent among special families in India using systems approach. These families should be screened for dysfunction, and family therapy be prescribed when required.