SOCIO-RELIGIOUS APPROACHES IN EMPOWERING PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Problems of parents of children with Down syndrome often face various challenges, ranging from child health problems and limited access to adequate education to social stigma that is still strong in society. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs due to the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, which causes delays in physical and intellectual development. This situation can cause significant psychological distress and requires an appropriate mentoring strategy. This research aims to examine the social-religious approach to empowering parents of children with Down syndrome in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. The results showed that the social-religious approach in empowering parents of children with Down syndrome can be done by providing social assistance for children and parents with Down syndrome as well as for other people and institutions in need, developing the talents and skills of children with Down syndrome by giving them various skills classes, holding psychology and doctor seminars for children with down syndrome, listening to tausyiah, praying in congregation and reciting the Koran.