Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
07:01
Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Functional performance characteristics associated with postponing elementary school entry among children with Down
Anne-Stine Dolva1, Margareta Lilja, Helena Hemmingsson
1Lillehammer University College, N-2626 Lillehammer, Norway. anne-stine.dolva@hil.no
Summary
Children with Down syndrome entering elementary school later showed lower functional skills. Readiness for school, including communication and toileting, impacts entry age.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Special Education
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Functional performance is crucial for children with Down syndrome entering mainstream education.
- Previous research has not fully explored the factors influencing school entry age and its relation to functional skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between functional performance skills in children with Down syndrome and their age of entry into mainstream elementary education.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 43 seven-year-old children with Down syndrome in Norway.
- Functional performance was assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) at ages 5 and 7.
- Data from a previous study of the same children at age 5 were included.
Main Results:
- Forty percent of children with Down syndrome entered elementary school at age 7, a 1-year postponement.
- Children with postponed entry exhibited significantly lower self-care and social function skills at ages 5 and 7.
- Delayed school entry was associated with challenges in communication and bladder/bowel management.
Conclusions:
- Readiness for elementary school for children with Down syndrome involves developmental milestones, including communication and continence.
- Cultural perceptions of school readiness may influence entry age decisions.
- Targeting preschool interventions in communication and toileting can promote school readiness for children with Down syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Information Processing Approach
The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:29Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
01:28Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.