Early Intervention, Families, and Adolescents With Down Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Developmental assessments are reported for two cohorts of Brisbane children with Down syndrome at chronological ages from 11 to 14 years. Cohort 1 was born during 1973 to 1974 while Cohort 2 was born from May 1976 to December 1978. These cohorts provided an opportunity of studying the long‐term effects of early intervention as a history‐graded influence on development; one cohort was born before early intervention became widely available whereas by the time the other children were born, a variety of programs were being offered children with disabilities. No significant cohort differences were found in MA at 11 years, 12 years and 14 years CA, in non‐verbal scores at 11 years and 12 years CA, or in adaptive behaviour scores near 13 years CA. There was no evidence of a final plateau in MA. When the cohorts were divided on the basis of early intervention commencement age, frequency and duration of attendance, there were again no group differences. SES, mothers’ education, and gender were significant predictors of MA but gender did not add significantly to non‐verbal scores. Cognitive function was strongly associated with adaptive behaviours. It was concluded that early intervention studies need to investigate social disadvantage and biological impairment not only as separate issues, but as a combination of the two. There is also a continuing need to identify the specific elements associated with SES and maternal education that influence development in children.