Scientific research
Join us for a free online research briefing discussing our work and plans on research into problem-solving for children with Down syndrome. Read more...
Down Syndrome Education International will be soon be starting a trial of a computer-based memory training programme, thanks to a grant from The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund. Working memory is central to wider cognition, speech and language skills and academic achievement. This study will evaluate outcomes for children aged 8 to 14 years using the programme. Read more...
Recordings of all of the online briefings in our research series are now freely available for viewing on demand. These briefings offer an insight into ongoing DownsEd studies and our overall research strategy. Read more...
Our research study examining the factors influencing the development of early reading and language skills has progressed to the intervention stage. Over 40 preschool children with Down syndrome and the... Read more...
We have been working for just over a year on our Big Lottery Fund supported language and reading intervention project and continue to make excellent progress alongside our research partners... 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