title: Improving spatial-simultaneous working memory in Down syndrome: effect of a training program led by parents instead of an expert.
abstract: Recent studies have suggested that the visuospatial component of working memory (WM) is selectively impaired in individuals with Down syndrome (DS), the deficit relating specifically to the spatial-simultaneous component, which is involved when stimuli are presented simultaneously. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of a computer-based program for training the spatial-simultaneous component of WM in terms of: specific effects (on spatial-simultaneous WM tasks); near and far transfer effects (on spatial-sequential and visuospatial abilities, and everyday memory tasks); and maintenance effects (1 month after the training). A comparison was drawn between the results obtained when the training was led by parents at home as opposed to an expert in psychology. Thirty-nine children and adolescents with DS were allocated to one of two groups: the training was administered by an expert in one, and by appropriately instructed parents in the other. The training was administered individually twice a week for a month, in eight sessions lasting approximately 30 min each. Our participants' performance improved after the training, and these results were maintained a month later in both groups. Overall, our findings suggest that spatial-simultaneous WM performance can be improved, obtaining specific and transfer gains; above all, it seems that, with adequate support, parents could effectively administer a WM training to their child.
authors.affiliation: Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pulina
authors.affiliation: Department of General Psychology, University of Padova Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carretti
authors.affiliation: Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lanfranchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Irene C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Mammarella
keywords: Down syndrome; computer-based training; intellectual disability; memory improvement; visuospatial working memory