Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Executive Function Intervention for Young Children With Down Syndrome.

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have an elevated likelihood of challenges with executive function (EF) throughout the lifespan, and syndrome‐informed intervention approaches that strengthen these foundations during early childhood may be beneficial. This single group baseline versus...

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Published in:Journal of Intellectual Disability Research Vol. 69; no. 7; pp. 546 - 558
Main Authors: Pinks, Miranda E., Walsh, Madison M., Colaianni, Sara, Onnivello, Sara, Marcolin, Chiara, Looney, Sarah, Rossi, Elisa, Pulina, Francesca, Prince, Mark A., Riggs, Nathaniel R., Hepburn, Susan, Daunhauer, Lisa A., Kaylyn, Van Deusen, Lanfranchi, Silvia, Fidler, Deborah J.
Format: research tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Wiley-Blackwell Jul2025
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: Jul2025
      vid: 69
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
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        atl: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Executive Function Intervention for Young Children With Down Syndrome.
      aug:
        au:
          Pinks, Miranda E.
          Walsh, Madison M.
          Colaianni, Sara
          Onnivello, Sara
          Marcolin, Chiara
          Looney, Sarah
          Rossi, Elisa
          Pulina, Francesca
          Prince, Mark A.
          Riggs, Nathaniel R.
          Hepburn, Susan
          Daunhauer, Lisa A.
          Kaylyn, Van Deusen
          Lanfranchi, Silvia
          Fidler, Deborah J.
        affil: Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado,, USA
      sug:
        subj:
          Down Syndrome Rehabilitation
          Executive Function In Infancy and Childhood
          Early Childhood Intervention
          Outcome Assessment
          Funding Source
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Child, Preschool
          Pilot Studies
          Memory
          Cognition
          Competency Assessment
          Pretest-Posttest Design
          Research Subject Retention
          Patient Compliance
          United States
          Italy
          Child, Preschool: 2-5 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have an elevated likelihood of challenges with executive function (EF) throughout the lifespan, and syndrome‐informed intervention approaches that strengthen these foundations during early childhood may be beneficial. This single group baseline versus postintervention pilot study presents findings from the implementation of a syndrome‐informed, parent‐mediated intervention designed to support the development of EF in preschool‐aged children with DS (EXPO: Executive Function Play Opportunities). Method: Participants were 34 children aged 3–7 years old with DS and their caregivers. The full sample participated in a novel 12‐week parent‐mediated intervention focused on building working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and planning skills. Participants were evaluated at baseline and poststudy for feasibility outcomes and preliminary evidence of intervention efficacy. Results: Activities were feasible for families to implement and appropriate for the developmental range of participants in the study. Preliminary evidence of efficacy was observed via laboratory‐based EF outcome measures. Within‐sample heterogeneity in response to intervention was also observed. Conclusions: EXPO is feasible for a larger trial in its current form. Additional intervention modifications may further increase the potential impact of EXPO by addressing heterogeneity in presentations among young children with DS.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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