Examining the biological, psychological, and social characteristics of parents of individuals with Down syndrome: a case study of Sarikhani Special School

Introduction:
The present study aimed to examine the biological, psychological, and social characteristics of parents of individuals with Down syndrome, in a case study of Sarikhani Special School.

Material and methods:
This research was descriptive-analytical in nature. The statistical population of the study included all parents of children with Down syndrome at Sarikhani Special School in Tehran in the year 2023, consisting of 15 families. Due to the limited sample size, a convenience sampling method was used to select participants. The research instrument was the Afrooz Biological, Psychological, and Social Characteristics Questionnaire (2004). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28, employing descriptive statistical methods such as mean, standard deviation, and percentage.

Results:
The results showed that the average age of mothers was 49.26 years, fathers 56.33 years, and children with Down syndrome 20.6 years. The average birth weight was 3.2 kg. About 46% of mothers were 20 years old at the time of marriage, and most had non-consanguineous marriages. The educational level of parents was generally high. During pregnancy, only 35% of mothers with exceptional children were between 25 and 28 years old. Additionally, in terms of the psychological-emotional state of mothers of exceptional children during pregnancy, approximately 40% experienced depressive and anxious moods.

Conclusions:
Planning for the prevention of biological, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges in parents with more than one exceptional child is of particular importance.