Application of Chaining Therapy for Improving Fine Motoric Skills As Self Being Basic Skills in Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Background Every parent want perfection is created for their children. However, if perfection is not obtained, then the only way is to maximize the potential of the child for functioned optimally and can live independently. Aims This study aims to determine the effectiveness of chaining therapy in maximizing fine motor skills that the basis for self-being skills in children with Down syndrome, children are expected can practice maximally motor skills so they can perform many activities of daily life independently. Method The research was conducted by applying the behavior approach chaining therapy in children with Down syndrome to improve their fine motor skills. The subjects in this research 2 people who attend schools for children with special needs in Surabaya. Method of assessment are interview, observation and psychological tests while chaining therapy using chaining technique. Results & Conclusion The chaining technique is effective enough to improve in fine motor skills in children with Down syndrome. In this technique behavior break down the behavior into smaller components and given to the children one by one in a systematic, until children mastered a whole set of behaviors that become intervention target. This makes it easy children with cognitive and physical limitations that occur in children with Down syndrome in order to receive information and training new the behavior gradually. Improvement that appears in the behavior the target activities are the subject doing activities in fine motor skills that more directed, not only do the activity without purpose. Moreover, with this technique becomes more settling the behavior, because each small component the behavior is repeated until the subject doing activities completely mastered before mastered a whole set of behaviors to intervention target. Several factors influence the effectiveness of the application of this therapy in subjects with Down syndrome, i.e. age factor (children's readiness for receive stimulation), cognitive ability, motivation, and support the environment.