Short Documentary Film on intellectual disability

Summary

Alishba, a 10-year-old girl from a poverty-stricken family in District Shekura, was born healthy but suffered severe brain damage at the age of four, leading to intellectual disability. Her parents, both factory workers, struggle with providing for her needs. Despite malnutrition affecting her brain development, Alishba shows a strong desire for learning and a passion for reading and writing. However, her behavior is seen as problematic by the community, and her parents believe she is possessed by an evil spirit. Alishba frequently asks for food from neighbors, and her family faces the challenges of caring for her while coping with their own difficult circumstances.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alishba, a 10-year-old girl from Shekura district, was born healthy but developed severe brain damage at the age of four, leading to intellectual disability.
• 😀 Malnutrition played a significant role in Alishba's condition, causing brain damage and stunted growth during critical developmental years.
• 😀 Alishba's cognitive and physical development was negatively impacted due to insufficient nutrition in her early years.
• 😀 Alishba's family is struggling with poverty, and her parents work in a brick factory, making it difficult to meet her medical and dietary needs.
• 😀 Alishba has two sisters, one of whom is studying at a charity school and has better health due to proper nutrition and care.
• 😀 Malnutrition during childhood can lead to a decrease in brain volume, number of neurons, synapses, and dendrites, which impairs cognitive function.
• 😀 Alishba's behavior includes demanding food from neighbors, even if it's cooked at home, which causes frustration for her family and community.
• 😀 Her parents believe that Alishba is possessed by an evil spirit, which may reflect a cultural misunderstanding of intellectual disabilities.
• 😀 Despite her condition, Alishba is very fond of reading and writing and expresses a desire to study in a hostel.
• 😀 Alishba's parents have forbidden her from taking food from neighbors or touching their belongings, but she continues to disobey these instructions.

Q & A

What is intellectual disability, and how is it characterized?

Intellectual disability, also referred to as mental handicapped, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired cognitive function and adaptive behavior, particularly when dealing with complex or new situations.

What condition does Alishba have, and how did it develop?

Alishba is a 10-year-old girl who was born as a normal child but was diagnosed with severe brain damage at the age of four. This brain damage left her disabled for the rest of her life.

How did Alishba's family react to her condition?

Alishba's parents were devastated and depressed upon learning of her condition. She was the first child in their family to experience such a severe disability.

How many siblings does Alishba have, and how are they affected by the family's situation?

Alishba has two younger sisters, one of whom is studying at a charity school that also provides care for her diet. The family faces poverty, and Alishba's siblings are affected by this difficult situation.

How does malnutrition affect brain development, especially in children?

Malnutrition can significantly impact brain development in children, leading to decreased brain volume, fewer neurons and synapses, and impaired cognitive functions. This effect is particularly pronounced during rapid brain growth periods.

What signs suggest that Alishba is suffering from malnutrition?

Alishba's height is not increasing as expected, which could be an indicator of malnutrition. Proper nutrition is critical during childhood to support brain and physical development.

How does malnutrition affect adults compared to children?

Malnutrition in adults does not typically cause specific neurological damage, whereas in children, it can severely impact brain development, leading to long-term cognitive and developmental issues.

What impact does insufficient diet have on Alishba's brain cells?

Due to insufficient and improper diet, Alishba's brain cells have been damaged, which hinders her cognitive development and contributes to her intellectual disability.

How does Alishba behave in her community, and how do people perceive her actions?

Alishba often demands money and food from others, bothering people in her community. Her behavior is sometimes misunderstood, and her parents believe she may be possessed by an evil spirit.

What does Alishba desire in terms of education, and how does she express it?

Alishba is very fond of reading and writing. She has expressed a desire to study in a hostel, showcasing her interest in education despite her challenges.