Thesis topic: the effects of the Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) on the quality of life of families with children with Down Syndrome (DS).
Alon, R. (2019). Social support and post-crisis growth among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and mothers of children with down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 90, 22-30. Web.
The article of Alon (2019) is dedicated to the problems experienced by mothers who raise children with DS. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that parents of children with this condition can access social support services. According to Alon (2019), social support should be not only aimed at teaching caregivers how to take care of these children but also at minimizing the adverse effects of raising them.
Bills, K. L., & Mills, B. (2020). Teachers’ perceptions towards inclusive education programs for children with Down syndrome. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 20(4), 343-347. Web.
This paper analyzes the topic of the inclusion of children with DS in traditional classrooms. Bills and Mills (2020) reveal that the attitude of teachers towards children with DS depends on their experience of contacting with such children and educating them. This paper is relevant to the chosen topic because it shows in which direction the DSI should work to raise the quality of life of people with DS.
Lee, E. Y., Neil, N., & Friesen, D. C. (2021). Support needs, coping, and stress among parents and caregivers of people with Down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 119, 1-14. Web.
The purpose of the paper of Lee et al. (2021) is to show that caregivers are no less in need of help than people with DS are. That is because “for an individual with Down syndrome (DS) results in needs that can impact the stress and wellbeing of the entire family” (Lee et al., 2021, p.1). Hence, DS agencies must educate such caregivers to cope with their stress and not get discouraged.
Rodriguez, N. D., Mateo, E. A., Rodreguez, V. B., & Rodriguez-Perez, A. (2018). Intergroup trust and anxiety: The two sides of stigma towards people with Down syndrome. Annals of Psychology, 34(1), 117-122. Web.
Since ordinary people rarely contact children and adults with DS, there are numerous stereotypes on this condition in modern society. The quantitative study conducted by Rodriguez et al. (2018) reveals that many respondents are afraid of contact with people with DS. Additionally, Rodriguez et al. (2018) argue that society mainly feels compassionate to these people and fails to admire their capacities and successes. From this, it could be inferred that such agencies as DSI should actively work on eliminating stereotypes related to people with DS.
Shields, N., Plant, S., Warren, C., Wollersheim, D., & Peiris, C. (2018). Do adults with Down syndrome do the same amount of physical activity as adults without disability? A proof of principle study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31(3), 459-465. Web.
The primary influence from the study of Shields et al. (2018) is that adults with DS are more likely to suffer from low physical activity and social isolation than adults without this syndrome. This, in turn, drastically decreases their physical well-being and social life. Consequently, such agencies as DSI should be concerned with raising physical activity rates among people with DS and facilitating their socialization with others.
References
Alon, R. (2019). Social support and post-crisis growth among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and mothers of children with down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 90, 22-30. Web.
Bills, K. L., & Mills, B. (2020). Teachers’ perceptions towards inclusive education programs for children with Down syndrome. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 20(4), 343-347. Web.
Lee, E. Y., Neil, N., & Friesen, D. C. (2021). Support needs, coping, and stress among parents and caregivers of people with Down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 119, 104113. Web.
Rodríguez, N. D., Mateo, E. A., Rodríguez, V. B., & Rodríguez-Pérez, A. (2018). Intergroup trust and anxiety: The two sides of stigma towards people with Down syndrome. Annals of Psychology, 34(1), 117-122. Web.
Shields, N., Plant, S., Warren, C., Wollersheim, D., & Peiris, C. (2018). Do adults with Down syndrome do the same amount of physical activity as adults without disability? A proof of principle study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31(3), 459-465. Web.