title: Learning potential and cognitive abilities in preschool boys with fragile X and Down syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Enhancing cognitive abilities is relevant when devising treatment plans.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the performance of preschool boys with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome in cognitive tasks (e.g., nonverbal reasoning and short-term memory), as well as in improving cognitive functions by means of a learning potential methodology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The basic scales corresponding to the Skills and Learning Potential Preschool Scale were administered to children with Down syndrome and others with fragile X syndrome, matched for chronological age and nonverbal cognitive development level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The fragile X syndrome group showed stronger performance on short-term memory tasks than the Down syndrome group prior to intervention, with no differences recorded in nonverbal reasoning tasks. In addition, both groups' cognitive performance improved significantly between pre- and post-intervention. However, learning potential relative to auditory memory was limited in both groups, and for rule-based categorization in Down syndrome children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The scale offered the opportunity to assess young children's abilities and identify the degree of cognitive modifiability. Furthermore, factors that may potentially affect the children's performance before and during learning potential assessment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Departament, University of Jaen, Spain. Electronic address: nnaranjo@ujaen.es.
authors.forename: Nieves
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Valencia-Naranjo
authors.affiliation: Psychology Departament, University of Jaen, Spain.
authors.forename: Mª Auxiliadora
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Robles-Bello
mesh_terms: D001307:Auditory Perception; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D014796:Visual Perception
keywords: Cognitive abilities; Down syndrome; Early intervention; Fragile X syndrome; Learning potential; Preschool boys