Society & Culture / Family & Lifestyle / Parenting & Child Development

Parenting with Intellectual Disability: The Hidden Cognitive Crisis No One Talks About

Dagmar Orthmann Bless

Parenting is often seen as instinctual, but for individuals with intellectual disabilities (IQ below 70), it's a complex cognitive challenge that can lead to systemic breakdowns. This video dives into the SEPIA research project from the University of Fribourg, led by Professor Dagmar Orthmann Bless, which reveals how parenting demands high-level executive functions—like working memory, impulse control, and multitasking—that are often impaired in ID parents. Learn about the five harsh realities of parenting environments, the social-cognitive processing chain, and why current assessments often miss the mark. Discover why balancing human rights with child welfare is critical and how tailored support can prevent tragic outcomes. This isn't about judgment—it's about understanding the hidden cognitive load of parenting and the urgent need for better evaluation and intervention. Watch to see why every click, every distraction, and every memory lapse matters more than you think.