PENGUATAN PERAN KOMUNITAS MELALUI FISOTERAPI DENGAN PENDEKATAN TERAPI KELOMPOK BERSAMA ANAK DENGAN DOWN SYNDROME

Mona Oktarina; Andy Sirada; Lusyta Puri Ardhiyanti; Susiana Jansen; Ghyffara Agathy; Agustina Kadaristiana

doi:10.31764/jmm.v10i1.36861

PENGUATAN PERAN KOMUNITAS MELALUI FISOTERAPI DENGAN PENDEKATAN TERAPI KELOMPOK BERSAMA ANAK DENGAN DOWN SYNDROME

Mona Oktarina, Andy Sirada, Lusyta Puri Ardhiyanti, Susiana Jansen, Ghyffara Agathy, Agustina Kadaristiana

Abstract

Abstrak: Down Syndrome (DS) adalah kondisi genetik yang disebabkan oleh salinan ekstra kromosom 21, yang memengaruhi perkembangan fisik, kognitif, dan sosial anak. Di Indonesia, anak-anak dengan DS menghadapi tantangan seperti stigma sosial dan kurangnya pemahaman orang tua mengenai stimulasi yang tepat, yang berdampak pada kualitas hidup mereka. Program pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan perkembangan motorik, sensorik, dan sosial-emosional anak usia 2–6 tahun dengan DS, sekaligus memberdayakan orang tua dan komunitas melalui terapi kelompok yang dipandu oleh fisioterapis anak. Program dilaksanakan bekerja sama dengan Persatuan Orang Tua Anak dengan Down Syndrome (POTADS) dari September hingga November sejumlah 25 anak DS beserta pendamping, dengan dua sesi bulanan. Setiap sesi selama 60 menit mencakup pemanasan, aktivitas motorik dan sensorik terstruktur, bonding orang tua-anak, dan permainan kelompok. Evaluasi dilakukan melalui observasi langsung dan pre-test/post-test pada orang tua. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan pemahaman orang tua secara signifikan, dengan skor rata-rata pre-test 85% meningkat menjadi 100% post-test. Observasi anak menunjukkan peningkatan kemampuan motorik kasar, interaksi sosial, dan partisipasi dalam kegiatan kelompok. Program ini efektif membangun lingkungan komunitas yang suportif, mengurangi stigma sosial, dan memperkuat kapasitas orang tua dalam stimulasi di rumah, sehingga mendukung perkembangan dan kualitas hidup anak dengan DS.

Abstract: Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, affecting children’s physical, cognitive, and social development. In Indonesia, children with DS face challenges such as social stigma and limited parental knowledge on appropriate stimulation, which impact their quality of life. This community service program aimed to enhance motor, sensory, and socio-emotional development in children aged 2–6 years with DS, while empowering parents and the community through group therapy led by pediatric physiotherapists. The program was implemented in collaboration with the Association of Parents of Children with Down Syndrome (POTADS) from September to November, with two monthly sessions. Each 60-minute session included warm-up, structured motor and sensory activities, parent-child bonding exercises, and group play. Evaluation was conducted through direct observation and pre-test/post-test assessments of parents. Results showed a significant increase in parental understanding, with average pre-test scores improving from 85% to 100% post-test. Observations indicated improvements in children’s gross motor skills, social interaction, and participation in group activities. The program effectively fostered a supportive community environment, reduced social stigma, and strengthened parental capacity for home-based stimulation, supporting the development and quality of life of children with DS.

Keywords

Down Syndrome; Group Therapy; Pediatric Physiotherapy; Community Role.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.31764/jmm.v10i1.36861