Parental Communication in Raising Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Study at Rumah Anak Prestasi Surabaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31941/pj.v25i1.7261Keywords:
parental communication, intellectual dissabilities, emotional approach, visual communication, storytellingAbstract
This study aims to understand the communication patterns of parents in caring for children with intellectual disabilities at Rumah Anak Prestasi Surabaya. The background of this study is the lack of research on communication between family members, especially in the Indonesian context, involving parents in the informal education of children with disabilities. This study uses a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation, and analyzes data using the transcendental phenomenology method. The results of the study show three main themes in parental communication, namely emotional and empathetic approaches, visual and non-verbal communication, and the use of storytelling as an instructional strategy. Parents emphasized the importance of empathetic communication and emotional involvement, such as setting aside special time for their children, listening to their feelings, and using physical contact to calm them. In addition, visual media such as pictures of faces and flash cards were used to clarify instructions and children's emotional expressions. The use of stories also helped children understand their values and emotions through relevant fictional characters. In conclusion, open and empathetic communication, as well as the use of visual communication, are key to supporting the development of children with intellectual disabilities in Indonesia.
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