SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED

An individual who is in need of security, educational help and rehabilitation because of specific family and social environment, and an individual who is deprived of care, education and peaceful healthy life is socially handicapped. 

Socially weak individuals – are neglected by society and are exploited physically and psychologically and may therefore suffer from inferiority complex. E.g. orphans, homeless, rejected, victimized persons, aged, etc.

Autistic – Autism is regarded as a severe developmental disability that begins in the first three years of life. It is a neurological disorder that changes the way the brain functions. 

Rett Syndrome – is a unique developmental disorder that begins during infancy. It affects girls buy may also be diagnosed in boys. It affects brain function – cognitive, movement, sensory, emotional and motor functions. It has an impact on hearing, speech, breathing, cardiac function as well as chewing, swallowing and digestion.

Juvenile Delinquents – The term ‘delinquency’ is used for socially undesirable acts of persons below the age of 18. Delinquent behavior include truancy (staying away from school without permission), taking drugs, destroying property, stealing, robbery and murder.

Students with Learning Disabilities – Poor academic achievement, short attention spans, impulsive control problems and lack of motivation are some characteristics of students with learning disabilities. This results in weak social skills.

Socially handicapped also include those who are forced into beggary at a very young age. The lack in communication skills and underestimate themselves. They are demotivated and fail to fit in with normal elements of society.

Socially handicapped also include those who live a suppressed life and who have never had the opportunity to air their problems. E.g. bonded laborers.

Socially handicapped also include rape victims and females forced into prostitution as they have an identity crisis. They lead a life they had not dreamt of and gradually lose contact with society. They find it difficult to adjust to societal norms.

Rehabilitation, education, improvement in standard of living, counselling and therapy can be some ways to help socially handicapped. However, the most important factor is for all of us to be aware, considerate, understanding and compassionate towards socially handicapped. 

Watch the video by clicking the link: Socially Handicapped