Down Syndrome (DS), also called Trisomy 21, is generally caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 resulting in trisomy. Trisomy 21 is the most common kind of Down syndrome. A typical person has 46 chromosomes; a person with DS has 47. This genetic disorder is characterized by developmental delays and physical features typical of the disorder. These include weak information processing, social interaction, demonstrating language, receptive and motor skills (Gandy et al., 2020).
The presence of mental and physical disabilities within the family members can be complicated and difficult to handle. Parents of children with mental disability take on the role of primary caregiver in their child’s care (Juandó-Prats et al., 2021). Dealing and taking care of children with chronic illness, mental retardation and handicapped may bring painful experiences to the parents, as well as to the other members of the family. According to the family systems perspective, attributes of each family member influence the relationship, roles and function of the family because all parts of the system are interconnected (White, Klein & Martin, 2015). If one member of the system isn’t functioning well, the whole system will struggle.

 

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