Abstract

TADA, Iracema Neno Cecílio  and  SOUZA, Marilene Proença Rebello de. Sense and meaning in Down Syndrome: Contributions from the historical-cultural theory. Bol. psicol [online]. 2009, vol.59, n.130, pp.1-16. ISSN 0006-5943.

Based on historical-cultural theory about human development, this article aims to analyze the personal and social meaning of Down syndrome to a young carrier of this anomaly. It also analyzes the aspects of the schooling and socialization processes using the method of case study. The participants were a female youth with Down Syndrome, her family and teachers. The procedures used in the research were interviews as well coexistence with the youth during a year. The activities and the dialogues produced into the meetings were analyzed according to the following categories: perception of deficiency, socialization and schooling aspects. The results consider that both the youth and her relationships constructed an explanation that, on one hand reflects existing social prejudices, but, on the other hand, questions the place of handicapped people in socializing and schooling processes.

Keywords : Downs syndrome; History and cultural Psychology; Special Education.

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