Sokolova H. Theoretical and methodological foundations of psychological support for schoolchildren with Down syndrome

Psychological support is defined as a multidimensional system of complex psychological support and assistance to schoolchildren with Down syndrome and their parents, including various forms, methods and means of assistance in the process of learning and extracurricular activities, increasing the resistance of children to destabilizing external and internal factors. Based on the competence approach, a conceptual model of psychological support for schoolchildren with Down syndrome has been developed. The main socio-psychological mechanisms of socialization of a student with Down syndrome are: social adaptation, social identification, individualization and personification. The result of the socialization of a child with Down syndrome is its adequate psychological and pedagogical status, which is most integratively displayed in personification. The whole range of features of social competence of schoolchildren with Down syndrome is investigated. It is revealed that the social adaptation of schoolchildren with Down syndrome, manifesting itself as an orienting activity in the outside world, is realized in the aspect of functional literacy. It is proved that the social identification of schoolchildren with Down syndrome is characterized by the dominance of orientation toward the mother, and the process of individualization of schoolchildren with Down syndrome is characterized by a high assessment of their own mood, communication skills and social circle, school performan. It has been proven that individualization in school life of children with Down syndrome occurs through positive attitude to classmates, discussion of school problems with parents, homework, as well as through active communication, facial expressions and the development of fine hand motor skills. The effectiveness of the correctional development program as a system of social support and psychological assistance to schoolchildren with Down syndrome has been experimentally verified, and the effectiveness of the correction has been empirically proven.