Determination of Family Needs of Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome and Their Opinions Regarding Sense of Social Support

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the family needs of mothers of children with Down-Syndrome and their opinions regarding sense of social support. Research participants are 20 mothers residing in Gaziantep city and having a child with Down-Syndrome. Having employed qualitative model, data for this study were collected from participant mothers via semi-structured interview and collected data were analyzed by content analysis. This study revealed that children with Down-Syndrome and their mothers want to be accepted in their social interactions. Mothers reported that their children are disadvantageous in benefiting from general education process and they emphasized their plea for support, especially from local administrations and nongovernmental organizations. Mothers are in need of education as regards the deficient skills of their children and the coping strategies against such deficiencies. They also reported their request for financial support to meet the needs of their Down-Syndrome children and benefit from better educational opportunities. Mothers added that they need support mostly in domains of education and social skills. Mothers reiterated their expectations from local administrations and nongovernmental organizations to hold social activities.