Infants with Down syndrome: a look at temperament.
BACKGROUND
This research describes temperament characteristics of infants with Down syndrome who are 1 to 4 months old. In the literature children with Down syndrome have been stereotyped. It was hypothesized that temperament characteristics may be evident and unique in newborns with Down syndrome.


METHODS
A standardized questionnaire, The Early Infancy Temperament Questionnaire, a cover letter, informed consent forms, and a brief explanation of the project were given to families with a newborn infant with Down syndrome. Thirty-two (families with infants with Down syndrome completed the study.


RESULTS
Mean scores indicate that infants with Down syndrome are rated more active, less intense, more distractible, and have a tendency to demonstrate more approach behaviors compared with normally developing infants. Data suggest infants with Down syndrome have some unique characteristics but are more like their normally developing peers than different.


CONCLUSIONS
Integration and mainstreaming of infants and children with Down syndrome emphasizes the need for nurse practitioners to appreciate the temperament characteristics of these infants.
Zickler
C F
CF
Ann Whitehill Down Syndrome Program, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Morrow
J D
JD
Bull
M J
MJ
D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010556:Personality Tests; D002666:Psychology, Child; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament