Parents Communication to Down Syndrome in Online Learning During Pandemic

Abstract

Communication is an important need in human life in establishing relationships with other people. In communicating, a communicator must be able to convey the content of the message well and can be understood by the communicant. As is the case when communicating with children with special needs, one of them is with children with Down syndrome who require special communication. This study describes how the interpersonal communication of parents with children Down syndrome in online learning during the pandemic with a case study of parents with students Down syndrome at Down Syndrome School (DSS) QIS Surabaya. This study uses a model of interpersonal communication effectiveness developed by Joseph A. Devito using a qualitative research approach through phenomenological methods. The results of this study are Interpersonal Communication conducted by parents to children with Down syndrome paying attention to aspects of humanist communication, namely the elements of openness, empathy, supportive attitude, positive and equal communication. Down syndrome children while accompanying children to learn online using open communication, accepting all the feelings and spirits of unstable Down syndrome children. Then parents use positive and descriptive language and often provide support to increase children's confidence. When accompanying children to learn online, parents empathize with the child's condition so they don't force the child to quickly understand the lesson. Parental communication to children with Down syndrome is also equal, parents do not feel superior. On the other hand, parents position themselves as friends for children with Down syndrome.