Psicologia em Pesquisa
On-line version ISSN 1982-1247
Abstract
ANDRADE, Jaqueline Ferreira Condé de Melo and PEREIRA-SILVA, Nara Liana. Adults with Down syndrome by themselves:: reports about their experiences. Psicol. pesq. [online]. 2018, vol.12, n.2, pp.68-76. ISSN 1982-1247. https://doi.org/10.24879/2018001200200132.
The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of adults with Down syndrome, focusing on routine, preferences, friendships and social relationships. Twelve adults between the ages of 18 and 34 years old responded to a semi-structured interview, and their caregivers collaborated as informants. The results indicated that adults have activities restricted to the context of the home, having a limited experience in other social environments, such as the special institution. As far as social relations are concerned, there were no frequent visits to friends’ homes and intimate relationships were also restricted. There is a need for more studies with this population, as well as the need for actions that allow the development of the person with Down syndrome.
Keywords : Down syndrome; Adults; Adulthood.