Cognitive profiles in children and adolescents with Down syndrome

Abstract

The Down syndrome (DS) phenotype is usually characterized by relative strengths in non-verbal skills and deficits in verbal processing, but high interindividual variability has been registered in the syndrome. The goal of this study was to explore the cognitive profile, considering verbal and non-verbal intelligence, of children and adolescents with DS, also taking into account interindividual variability. We particularly aimed to investigate whether this variability means that we should envisage more than one cognitive profile in this population. The correlation between cognitive profile and medical conditions, parents’ education levels and developmental milestones was also explored. Seventy-two children/adolescents with DS, aged 7–16 years, were assessed with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III. Age-equivalent scores were adopted, and Verbal and Non-Verbal indices were obtained for each individual. The cognitive profile of the group as a whole was characterized by similar scores in the verbal and non-verbal domain. Cluster analysis revealed three different profiles, however: one group, with the lowest scores, had the typical profile associated with DS (with higher non-verbal than verbal intelligence); one, with intermediate scores, had greater verbal than non-verbal intelligence; and one, with the highest scores, fared equally well in the verbal and non-verbal domain. Three cognitive profiles emerged, suggesting that educational support for children and adolescents with DS may need to be more specific.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Caregiver-Reported Expressive Language Profiles and Associated Covariates in Individuals with Down Syndrome

“…5 While it is known that there is wide variability in the abilities of individuals with DS, the distribution of factors influencing expressive language in this population is unknown. 6 The linguistic phenotype of individuals with DS is unique when compared with other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Although the presence of a mild-to-moderate intellectual disability is a typical feature of DS, verbal intelligence and expressive language are more affected when compared with peers with matched nonverbal mental age.…”

“…Although the presence of a mild-to-moderate intellectual disability is a typical feature of DS, verbal intelligence and expressive language are more affected when compared with peers with matched nonverbal mental age. 6 Although individuals with DS have relative strengths in gesture, imitation, and social motivation, they typically have delayed canonical babbling, speech production, phonological awareness, functional expressive vocabulary and syntax, and difficulties communicating effectively. 7,8 Medically, individuals with DS have increased rates of hearing differences, cardiac surgery, cancer, and thyroid dysfunction, as well as atypical oral motor structures and low muscle tone that may negatively affect language development and speech.…”

“…5 While it is known that there is wide variability in the abilities of individuals with DS, the distribution of factors influencing expressive language in this population is unknown. 6…”

Association between participation at home and functional skills in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: A cross‐sectional study

“…Children with DS show differences in body structures and functions related to impairments in neuromusculoskeletal and movement‐related functions, such as alterations in tone, balance, motor coordination, agility and intellect (Barca et al, 2014; Brugnaro et al, 2022; Pena et al, 2019). They have limitations in functional skills that pertain to activities of daily living (Galeoto et al, 2022), social–cognitive skills (Onnivello et al, 2022), mobility and responsibility in management in life tasks (Beqaj et al, 2018). Functional skills are needed for active exploration of the environment and establishment of social interactions, not only with family but also with peers (Wilson et al, 2018).…”

The association between expressive language skills and adaptive behavior in individuals with Down syndrome

“…Even areas of relative strength are delayed relative to expectations based on chronological age (CA). Nonetheless, there is considerable heterogeneity in terms of level and profile of strengths and weaknesses among individuals with DS 26,27 .…”