The objective of this study was to socialize the process of coexistence of the family of the bearers of syndrome of Down based in the Humanistic Theory of Paterson and Zderad. The study was realized with a research of descriptive exploratory character, with a qualitative approach and participant observation. It was accomplished in APAE / Sobral-CE, with the use of group dynamics and a guided interview for collection of data. The results showed us that the parents don't have difference between a normal son and a special one; the treatment is the same, with a lot of love, affection, understanding and respect, however a lot of times they find some difficulties in taking care, as the communication and the feeding. We also observed that the family is very important, necessary, so that the coexistence with the bearer becomes more and more natural in spite of a society that, a lot of times, still has prejudice.
Down Syndrome; Family relations; Nursing theory