Are the cognitive functions of children with Down syndrome related to their participation?
OBJECTIVE
There is a lack of investigation into the functional developmental profile of children with Down syndrome. On the basis of current international health paradigms, the purpose of this study was to assess the developmental profile of these children.


METHODS
Sixty children (33 males, 27 females) with Down syndrome (age range 6-16y; mean age 9y 3mo, SD 28.8mo), who had received standard, holistic, early intervention, were assessed. Of these, 42 (70%) had congenital anomalies, 12 had severe congenital heart defects. Participants were assessed on measures of cognitive function (Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration; Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale) and participation (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales).


RESULTS
No difference was found on any measure on the basis of severity of congenital anomaly. Results showed improvements in age-related body function and correlations between specific body functions and participation. No decline in IQ was found with age, and significant correlations between IQ and all other measures were noted. Although sex differences were found in the body functions of short-term memory and motor function, no difference in measures of activity performance and participation was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings emphasize the need for paediatric Down syndrome intervention to encourage improved body functions while emphasizing the acquisition of functional skills that enable enhanced participation in age-appropriate activities.
Rihtman
Tanya
T
School of Occupational Therapy, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Tekuzener
Esti
E
Parush
Shula
S
Tenenbaum
Alex
A
Bachrach
Steven J
SJ
Ornoy
Asher
A
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007557:Israel; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior; D012951:Socialization