Families with Adolescents with Down Syndrome: Social Support and Family Resources

The present study has the following objectives: (a) describing the dynamics and functioning of families with adolescents with Down syndrome, as well as the reactions and feelings of parents facing the diagnosis; (b) verifying the adequacy of the resources available to families, and (c) identifying the social network of support perceived by parents. Four families participated in this study composed of father, mother and a daughter with Down syndrome (DS), aged between 14 and 20 years. The results indicate that mothers are the main responsible for housework and care of her daughter with SD. The scores achieved on the Family Support Scale and Family Resources Scale indicate that these families don't have support and resources at satisfactory levels, at the same time indicating the necessity of implementing intervention programs directed to the family at this stage of the life course.