DOWN SYNDROME: MOTHERS’ REACTION TOWARDS THIS NEWS AND THE REPERCUSSION ON THE PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION OF THE CHILD

Abstract

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition characterized by trisomy of the chromosome 21. The birth of a newborn with DS means, in most cases, a traumatic moment for the family. If severe heart disease is not detected, the infant should be referred to physical therapy sessions early. Objective: To identify and show the effects that the news may trigger on mothers of infants with DS and how this delays the search for physical therapy, which puts at risk the neuropsychomotor development (NPMD) of the child. Material and methods: This was a qualitative and observational study using interviews with five mothers of children with DS, users of the Pediatric Physical Therapy Service at Universidade Federal da Paraíba. The inclusion criteria was to have had and/or to have at least one child with DS diagnosed by karyotype analysis. The exclusion factor was to have neuropathies that maximize the conventional signs and symptoms of DS. Results: With regard to the mothers’ reaction upon the news, it was verified that all of them suffered the elementary impact by learning that their child was carrying an unexpected condition. The emotions they experienced and reported were sadness, frustration, rejection/doom, fear and shock. Conclusion: All interviewed mothers experienced “mourning” over the loss of their ideal-wanted child. However, their children were referred early to physical therapy services and had professional support for stimulation of their psychomotor development, which shows an overcoming behavior of mothers by leaving mourning towards fight. DESCRIPTORS Down Syndrome. Elementary Impact. Physical Therapy.