Scientific research
How can we help children with Down syndrome to speak more clearly? Can we teach more children to read - even those who struggle most? Are sleep problems making learning harder? Are children with Down syndrome being misdiagnosed as autistic? Can we improve memory, thinking and problem-solving? How can we help teachers deliver extra support for language and reading in the classroom? These are just a few of the questions that Down Syndrome Education International's research is working to answer today. Read more...
We are launching a series of online events presenting the current research activities of Down Syndrome Education International and our partners. These live events are free to access online and by telephone for families, professionals and scientists worldwide. Read more...
Our study examining the factors influencing the development of early reading and language skills is now well underway with initial assessments and tests in progress with 40 preschool children with Down syndrome. This study aims to determine the key factors influencing preschool reading and language development and apply this knowledge to improve early teaching advice and resources. Read more...
Our study investigating the effectiveness of a carefully-structured language and reading intervention continues to make excellent progress. The children in this controlled trial have now been engaged in the additional language and reading activities for ten weeks - supplementing regular classroom teaching. Read more...
The charity has started recruiting participants for a practical research project investigating the factors influencing the reading and language progress of children with Down syndrome during their crucial early years.... Read more...
Scientific research is at the heart of what we do. For 30 years, we have improved
understanding of the condition and identified effective teaching methods that deliver
marked improvements in speech, language and cognition. Our ongoing research programmes
continue to pioneer new ways to support development and learning for young people
with Down syndrome.
Our research has repeatedly demonstrated the potential of children with Down syndrome
to learn more when given the opportunity and appropriate support.
Over the past 30 years, our studies have delivered important
insights into speech and language, memory, reading, number and mathematics,
social skills, education, sleep and behaviour for people with Down syndrome.
"The charity is now central to the worldwide understanding and sharing of research
from many academics and longer-term experience of those working with generations
of children with Down syndrome."
New Philanthropy Capital, London, UK
Practical research, delivering results today
We focus on practical scientific studies of young people with Down syndrome that
identify their precise learning difficulties and that evaluate teaching approaches
adapted to their particular needs.
We take a 'real world' view of development, studying learning for young
people with Down syndrome in everyday family life and in school. We examine all
aspects of development. Many things influence development, including our genes,
our families and communities, and the opportunities that we are offered. Our research
examines all of these factors in the context of the complex and cumulative processes
of human development.
We ensure that our research delivers benefits for people with Down syndrome living
today by identifying and evaluating evidence-based interventions. Our work has shown
that educational strategies that are targeted to fit the particular learning needs
of people with Down syndrome clearly improve levels of achievement.
Find out more