Stop Making Children with Special Needs a Laughing Stock
Social media was recently stirred by the alleged bullying of a child with special needs by an employee at a restaurant in Jakarta. In a circulating video, the mother revealed that the employee, identified by the initial R, laughed at and imitated her child’s gestures.
Why does stigma against children with special needs still frequently occur in society? Senior clinical psychologist Retno IG Kusuma stated that negative views often arise because many people do not yet have an adequate understanding of the condition of children with special needs.
According to the founder of Pradnyagama Psychology Service Centre Bali and SLB Pradnyagama, this incident also reflects a lack of empathy and social concern for these children. “If one lacks empathy, it is easy to turn a child with special needs into a laughing stock. I also see this happening because of low social concern for parents with children with special needs,” said Retno, who also serves as public relations officer for the central board of the Indonesian Psychology Association (HIMPSI).
Being a parent to a child with special needs is a great struggle and challenge. Therefore, according to Retno, when a child becomes the target of ridicule or stigma, the psychological impact felt by the parents is undoubtedly very heavy.
“The impact on parents is quite significant, because being a parent of a child with special needs is a struggle and a challenge. Many parents lack confidence and feel ashamed. There are even cases where children with special needs are shackled or hidden inside the house,” said Retno.
Retno assessed that negative treatment in the form of ridicule and stigma from society can make both parents and children increasingly stressed, feeling unfortunate, helpless, and even experiencing depressive feelings. In a number of cases, the pressure arising from raising a child with special needs has also triggered household breakdowns and divorce.
“If a divorce occurs, it will certainly be even harder for a single mother or father to care for a child with special needs alone,” she said.
For this reason, she urged the public to try to provide support to parents who have children with special needs. Retno also stressed the importance of support and involvement from the extended family in the growth and development process of these children.
“Again, raising a child with special needs is extremely difficult. I give two thumbs up to parents who have children with special needs. And because it is difficult, support from the extended family, grandparents, is very important. Society also needs to be supportive,” said Retno.
She then encouraged parents to be open about their child’s condition and help them develop their potential. According to her, although children with special needs cannot be equated with children in general, they still possess talents and abilities that can be developed.