Interpersonal Communication Of Children With Special Needs(A Case Study at Pembina Kesejahteraan Keluarga Special School, Lampung)

Abstract

              This study aims to analyze the interpersonal communication of children with special needs at SLB PKK Lampung Province. Preliminary survey results, obtained through interviews with teachers at SLB PKK Lampung Province, revealed that interpersonal communication between children with special needs and their surrounding environment including teachers and peers faces unique challenges influenced by each child's communication abilities and the methods used by teachers. The research method employed is qualitative descriptive. Data were collected through guided interviews with teachers and parents of the students. The data analysis technique used was qualitative descriptive analysis. The results show that the interpersonal communication applied by students at SLB PKK Lampung Province is generally simple and concrete, requiring special approaches tailored to their needs. Most students use verbal language to a limited extent, so their communication relies heavily on body gestures, facial expressions, and communication aids such as pictures and assistive technology. The dominant form of communication emphasizes expressing basic needs, emotional expression, and socially guided interactions to support the gradual and effective development of interpersonal skills. The roles of teachers and the school environment are very strategic in supporting the development of interpersonal communication among students with special needs at SLB PKK Lampung Province.