Stress in Mothers of Disabled Children

A collaborative study with a Harvard student T.T. Saravanan, examining the emotional, physical, and social stress on mothers of children with disabilities, focusing on how climate change intensifies their unique challenges. The research reveals how rising health risks, limited healthcare access, and financial strain due to climate impacts further burden these mothers' well-being and resilience.

Saravanan Thangarajan in Tamil Nadu during his field research.

Problem Statement

Mothers of children born with disabilities in India face significant challenges due to the lack of comprehensive data on the prevalence and impact of congenital anomalies. These challenges are further exacerbated by inadequate access to early detection, specialized care, and support systems. While existing statistics indicate a considerable number of children affected by birth disabilities, there is a need to bridge gaps in awareness, healthcare resources, and societal support. Addressing this issue is crucial to improving the quality of life for these children and their caregivers and ensuring equitable access to healthcare and intervention strategies.

Solution

This research aims to gather data on the prevalence and impact of birth disabilities in India, focusing on improving early detection, access to specialized care, and community support for affected families. By collaborating with healthcare organizations and government agencies, the study seeks to raise awareness and contribute to more effective policies and intervention strategies for better support of mothers and children with disabilities.

Research Insights

Here are some of the critical findings from my research:

Increased Health Risk for Children• My research revealed that extreme weather conditions, like heat waves and high pollution levels, often worsen the existing health issues of children with disabilities. Many of the mothers I interviewed shared that their children’s respiratory or immune challenges escalated during these conditions, leading to more frequent medical interventions.

For children with compromised immune systems, exposure to climate-related factors heightened their vulnerability to illness, further stressing the mothers who already manage complex care routines.

Economic Strain

My research showed that climate events contributed to economic strain, particularly among middle- and lower-income families. Many mothers shared how job loss or reduced income made it difficult to afford specialized care, adaptive equipment, and medications. Financial instability was a recurring theme, with mothers expressing concern over mounting household expenses, including energy bills for cooling during heat waves.
Repair costs after climate events also impacted these families, diverting funds from essential caregiving expenses.