Appraisal of social functioning of children with Down syndrome

Introduction. Despite the express scientific and technical progress and the development of many therapeutic approaches is observed
excessive isolation and social segregation of disabled people, especially children and adolescents. In the process of social development of
children with Down’s syndrome is very important to create close ties of family and the atmosphere of the home environment and also early stimulation of psychomotor development, psychomotor rehabilitation, psychological and pedagogical help and educational.

Aim of the study. Appraisal of selected aspects of social functioning of children with Down syndrome.

Material and methods. The study included 30 parents of children with Down syndrome who are under the care of the Neurology Clinic and
Cardiology Clinic of the Provincial Children Hospital J. Brudzińskiego in Bydgoszcz and Genetic Clinic of the University Hospital number 1 in Bydgoszcz, from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Province. The study was a diagnostic survey using a research tool in the form of questionnaires.

Conclusions. 1. The unequivocal majority of children with Down syndrome attend integrated schools, regardless of the degree of independence exhibited in everyday life. 2. Children with Down’s syndrome mentally retarded to a moderate in the majority have maintained contact with their peers through school attendance and membership associations. Disabled children in profound do not interact with their peers. 3. The main support for parents of children with Down syndrome is the immediate family. 4. Parents organize leisure time for children in a family environment. The dominant form is fun with the family.