Fear of Disabled People?

Question

Hi, what is the proper term for the fear of the mentally handicapped? I've been looking it up but I can't find anything, the closest I can find is dysmorphophobia, which is a fear of deformities. I know it exists, I believe I have it and I know other people that have it as well. I always have to rush by the mentally handicapped for fear that they might flip out and start attacking me. Yes, I know I'm cruel and heartless for it, and I feel terrible, but I just can't help it.

So in summary, what is the proper term for fear of the mentally disabled?

Answer 1

Why do you need a word for it? - what you need is therapy for it. The people you describe have the most severe form of cognitive disabilities and are rarely in situations where they would encounter you. I think you are over-reacting to an implausible situation.



Most of the people who have cognitive disabilities do not ever behave in the way you describe. People who are head-bangers - wear helmets. They do not hurt others - they hurt themselves - so you have nothing to worry about. People who are constant screamers are usually not out in public much although frequent screamers are. They scream as a means to communicate - and there is nothing to fear in their screams - it is only an annoyance. No one takes dumps on the floor in public. That is a health hazard and everything is done to prevent that - so that is your own paranoia or a memory of an exceptionally rare circumstance. So your fears are groundless.



Maybe you should consider doing some volunteer work with people like you fear. I think you would discover a humanity inside them that surprises you. You might find a compassion toward them that dispels your fear.

Answer 2

its very rude to judge someone just because you don t understand it or feel it. I also have this fear and seeing as there are so many other people who are displaying said fear I don t think its merely made up. I don t see others getting judged for a fear of dogs for example. Which personally I don t get, I think dogs are amazing but I don t ridicule those who do have that fear. This is not a judgment or a discrimination against those with a disability it s just an unexplained fear like everyone experiences with at least something in their life.

Answer 3

Some people with Autism will display self-destructive behavior including head banging and biting behavior. I know of a severely Autistic person who screams and is a Head Banger who bites and has bitten their caregiver from time to time.



The type of people you are talking about (severe cognitive disabilities) are given constant supervision from adult care givers.



I am a parent of an adult child that has Mental Retardation and Autism. My child will not hurt another person but will try to smell (sniff) other people.

Answer 4

You are likely searching for a word for it so that you will feel better about yourself for having such feelings. If it's a recognized "condition," you can feel less responsible, or guilty, for how you feel. Giving a Latin name to something doesn't make it a medical condition, however. These are just labels.



Most so-called phobias are based on fear of the unknown. If this is something you want to address, rather than merely label, then you might try learning something about people with mental or psychiatric disabilities. Read some books written by people with disabilities. Volunteer for a program that provides treatment or support services.

Answer 5

The next time you pass a mentally disabled person remember that he or she is only a child, for they are only children. Say Hi the next time you walk by one .I will explain and this will help ever person that has ever had this fear. Over four years ago I use to work with people with the Mentally disables, My daughter one day came by to see me and she was 11 years old at the time. After I left with her she said to me Dad its scary being in there around those people, for they were all adults with mental disabilities etc.. I look at my daughter and said the next time you come here, I want you to look at them as children, because they are only children .So the next day she came to my work ,she was sitting around with them talking and latter when we left she said, Dad your right it was fun to be with them I am not scared anymore. Remember it is how you look at some one, that will change the way you would normally feel about someone. Honest to god there only children ,there mind are most of them are about the age of 3 depending on the seriousness of thee mental disability. They are harmless unless you provoke a situation to harm them in any way just like you and me. We will protect our selves so will they. Fear not love them give them respect Amen.

Answer 6

fear disabled people

Answer 7

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the U.S., affecting about one out of five people at any given time. There are many safe nondrug remedies for anxiety. Read here https://tr.im/LU2KM

Anxiety can take many forms — generalized anxiety disorder (constant worrying about everyday things), obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Answer 8

question what the different why some people scared of disabled person for. they just regular people too. i don t get it.

Answer 9

Sorry, I can't think of a word for it. I don't think one exists. I get a little freaked out too, so you're not alone. I'm also scared that they are going to hurt me when I walk by them. I'm sorry if this doesn't answer your question, I just wanted to say that I'm scared too!

Answer 10

I guess when talking with or putting the term on a profile, the people wouldn t have a clue

Answer 11

it is actually a form of xenophobia( Fear of people who are different)