Hong Kong mother Amy Chan* often feels overwhelmed caring for her nine-year-old son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The 39-year-old said her son, diagnosed with the condition two years ago, seldom listened to her and lost his temper easily, putting tremendous pressure on her and taking a toll on her mental health.
Chan, who works as a part-time clerk, said her frustration with her son’s uncooperative behaviour and her own stress sometimes became so intense that she was tempted to scold him. To calm herself and avoid accidentally hurting her son, she would walk away and take a shower, she said.
She added that her stress had been compounded by fears she could now be more easily accused of child harm under the newly implemented mandatory reporting of child abuse ordinance. Chan said she also lacked a clear understanding of what constitutes abuse.
“It is so difficult to look after children with special needs and handle their emotions and behaviours. Parents have faced tremendous pressure and had little room to rest,” she said.
Distressed parents of children with special needs have voiced concerns that the mandatory reporting requirement could make them more likely to be accused of child abuse. They have called for greater support to ease the pressures of caring for vulnerable youngsters.
