Impact of Intellectual Disability on the Family Economy in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of intellectual disability (ID) on the family economy in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The cost of parenting a child with ID in Nigeria is overwhelming as there is no state provision for the care of this group, consequently imposing burden on the parents. Parents of persons with ID in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria, constituted the study population. The study sample includes 150 parents of persons with ID. Intellectual Disability and Family Economy Assessment Scale (r = 0.877) was used for data collection. Data were analysed using frequency count and percentage. The study revealed that ID significantly affects the family economy and education of siblings and persons with ID in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The impact of ID on the family economy in the study area is generally negative. Nigerian government should put in place the necessary social facility that will help reduce the impact of the disability on the families

Assessment of School Assessors’ Knowledge and Competence on Diagnostic Overshadowing for Appropriate Placement of Children with Intellectual Disability in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assessed the knowledge and competence of special teachers and psychologists in diagnostic overshadowing and differential diagnosis in children with intellectual disability in Cross River State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted. Sixty (60) respondents comprising teachers and school psychologists were purposively selected from three main special schools in Cross River State. Two research questions were raised to guide the study. A rating scale titled ‘Mental Health Diagnosis Competency Scale (r=0.91)’ was used for data collection. The instrument was used to assess the knowledge and competence of special teachers and school psychologists in diagnostic overshadowing and differential diagnosis in children with intellectual disabilities. The data collected were statistically analyzed using percentages, frequency count, and bar chart. The findings revealed that most teachers and school psychologists have no knowledge of psychiatric symptomatology in children with intellectual disabilities. Respondents also lack adequate competence in differential diagnosis, leading to wrong special education placement and inadequate intervention plans for such children. It was recommended, among others, that the government provide in-service training for teachers and psychologists to equip them on current issues and practices in special education, such as differential diagnosis and collaborative partnership within a transdisciplinary approach