Enhancing Consumer Skills in Individuals With Down Syndrome

Sümer Öncel S., Sümer Dodur H. M.

Research on Social Work Practice, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/10497315251359144
  • Journal Name: Research on Social Work Practice
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts
  • Keywords: consumer skills, digital payment systems, down syndrome, family education, simultaneous prompting
  • Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated a father-focused family education program to enhance digital consumer skills in individuals with down syndrome. Method: A single-subject multiple probe design was used with four father–child dyads. Fathers received training on simultaneous prompting and taught their children three consumer skills: online bill payment, ordering food, and buying movie tickets. Results: All fathers reached over 90% instructional fidelity, and all children reached 100% accuracy in each target skill. These gains were maintained during follow-up sessions. Social validity data indicated high satisfaction among fathers and perceived improvements in children's confidence and independence. Discussion: Findings support the effectiveness of structured, family-based programs in teaching functional digital skills to individuals with DS. The intervention shows promise for broader implementation in promoting digital inclusion and autonomy.