Browsing by Author "Meyer, Debbie Lucillê (nee Loots)"
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- ItemParents’ perspectives on the developmental care needs of a child with Down Syndrome(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Meyer, Debbie Lucillê (nee Loots); Dreyer, Lorna; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Educational Psychology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT : In the South African context, considerable remnants of the Apartheid era is still evident in low socio-economic areas. Parents, living in adverse conditions, namely, over-crowded housing, poor nutrition, lack of resources, as well as difficulties with access to health facilities, often do not have adequate education and information, regarding health and child development. The child’s development cannot be separated from his/her social context; therefore, children with Down Syndrome, in low socio-economic areas, are at risk of not receiving appropriate, or proper, developmental care and support from parents to maximise their potential. This qualitative case study research aimed to provide a better understanding of how parents, living in low socio-economic areasin Cape Town, South Africa, experience raising a child with Down syndrome. The over-arching goal of this research was an in-depth exploration to understand the perspectives and experiences of parents, in terms of meeting the developmental care needs of their child with Down syndrome. Purposive sampling was used, as parents with a child who has Down syndrome, were identified at a special school. A single-case (embedded) research design was selected that focused on the individual (parent), to understand their perceptions of the events. The data collection method included in-depth, semi-structured interviews with parents only. Content analysis was used as the method of data analysis. The findings revealed that parents presented similarities, such as, relying on religion to help them cope, lack of resources and support services in the community, as well as access to these. Some of the themes that emerged included, the personal challenges of the parents, resilience and coping with the diagnosis, and the comorbid health conditions. The negative and positive experiences of the parents clarified their circumstances. The parents expressed that their experiences with their child instilled a unique knowledge in them, and therefore, they felt the need to share some advice with other parents, living in a similar context, witha child who has Down syndrome, or any other disability. In this study, the researcher offers suggestions to teachers who work with parents of children with Down syndrome, as well as other professionals, namely, doctors, psychologists and various therapists, who interact with parents of children who have Down syndrome.