Social Capital of Families of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in South India
We are excited to share a significant milestone in empowering families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD). Amar Seva Sangam has published a groundbreaking research paper
Key Highlights of the Study:
- Investigated the social capital of families participating in our community-based early intervention program, Enabling Inclusion®.
- Examined how social capital is influenced by program duration, family empowerment, caregiver burden, and socio-demographic factors.
- Identified maternal education and the child’s diagnosis as crucial factors shaping social capital.
Why This Matters:
The research sheds light on the challenges faced by families of children with NDD, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It emphasizes the importance of maternal education and targeted support for specific diagnoses to strengthen social networks and improve outcomes. To address these findings, Amar Seva Sangam has introduced Parent Empowerment groups and a parent login feature in the Enabling Inclusion app.
Key Takeaways:
- Families of children with cerebral palsy often experience lower social capital compared to those with autism.
- Lower maternal education levels are associated with reduced structural social capital.
- Support groups and targeted strategies can help bridge these gaps.
This research serves as a foundation for future studies and inspires innovative approaches to community-based rehabilitation.