Challenges of Parents in Managing Children with Disabilities: Literature Highlights

Abstract

Parents are the ones who are responsible for modeling the behavior of children with good upbringing to pattern a harmonious family. Parents play the role of guardians, educators, caregivers, leaders, nurses, advisors, and counselors from the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of children. Every parent faces various challenges in raising children, especially children with disabilities. Statistic from the Malaysian Social Welfare Department shows that more than 13 thousand families in Malaysia have children with disabilities and face great challenges in providing care and support to their children. Therefore, this article tries to examine the challenges faced by parents who have children with disabilities. This article used a content analysis approach by referring to books, articles, and other materials related to the topic. Finally, this study found that parents who have children with disabilities face various pressures such as emotional, financial, family, and so on. Furthermore, they must play a very high role in managing and raising disabled children, compared to normal children.