Problem solving in young children

There is evidence that older children with Down syndrome show atypical performance on goal-directed problem-solving tasks. In young children with Down syndrome, more subtle evidence of an emerging deficit can be observed. Problem solving skills may be especially important because they impact many different aspects of daily life, including academic performance, social functioning and adaptation at home.

Research

This study will test the efficacy of a new intervention that aims to strengthen early problem solving in infants and toddlers and to lead to sustained gains. The results of a pilot study of this intervention are positive.

80 children between the ages of 20 and 40 months will be recruited at 2 centres, and following a mixed battery of tests will be randomly assigned to an intervention group and a waiting group. The 'intervention group' will receive the intervention in weekly sessions over a 10 week period. All children will then be reassessed. The 'waiting group' will then receive the intervention in weekly sessions over a 10 week period and will then be then assessed. The children in each group will be reassessed 6 months after the intervention finishes to assess the stability of the skills acquired.

Investigators

• Deborah Fidler

Partners and advisors

• Sue Buckley, Gillian Bird, Julie Hughes

Location

This is an international, multicentre study:

• Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
• The Sarah Duffen Centre, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.

Education

Study results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific publications. Practice implications will be published in periodicals for families and professionals, including Down Syndrome Research and Practice and incorporated into freely available Down Syndrome Topics advice and information summaries and Down Syndrome Issues and Information books. Open Access articles and summaries will be provided for reproduction in the newsletters and journals of associations, support groups and professional societies. The study results will also be shared through the charity's training courses and its contributions to conferences in the UK and worldwide.

Impact

• Improved understanding of the development of problem solving skills in infants and toddlers with Down syndrome
• Detailed evaluation of new interventions to improve these problem solving skills
• Development of manual for parents and professionals on strategies to promote the development of problem solving skills for children with Down syndrome

Status

We are seeking funds for this project.

If you would like to support this work, please visit our giving site for details of how you can help or contact giving@downsed.org.

Related projects

• Research
  • Longitudinal study of influences on early development
  • Attachment and behaviour

  • Problem solving in young children

  • The development and impact of reading skills

  • Effectiveness of responsive teaching

  • Parental concerns and experiences of support in the pre-school years

• Education

  • Down Syndrome Topics

  • Down Syndrome Research and Practice

  • Down Syndrome Issues and Information

  • Down Syndrome Online