Visuo-spatial ability in individuals with Down syndrome: is it really a strength?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) often exhibit pronounced verbal deficits alongside comparatively stronger visuo-spatial skills.
• The perception of visuo-spatial ability as a consistent strength in DS warrants further investigation relative to general cognitive functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if visuo-spatial ability is a genuine strength in Down syndrome (DS) relative to general cognitive ability, not just relative to verbal skills.
• To systematically review existing literature on visuo-spatial abilities in individuals with DS.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an extensive literature review of studies published between January 1987 and May 2013 focusing on visuo-spatial abilities in Down syndrome.
• Classified visuo-spatial abilities into five domains: visuo-spatial memory, construction, mental rotation, closure, and wayfinding, based on established taxonomies.
• Analyzed 49 studies comprising 127 comparisons, primarily contrasting individuals with DS against typically developing peers matched for mental age.

Main Results:

• The review found no consistent evidence supporting visuo-spatial ability as a strength in Down syndrome (DS) when compared to general cognitive ability.
• An uneven profile of visuo-spatial abilities was observed in individuals with DS.
• Some visuo-spatial domains aligned with general cognitive levels, while others fell below.

Conclusions:

• Visuo-spatial skills are not a universal strength in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) relative to their overall cognitive capacity.
• The profile of visuo-spatial abilities in DS is mixed, with specific skills varying in their relationship to general cognitive functioning.
• Further research is recommended to fully elucidate the nuances of visuo-spatial abilities across different domains in Down syndrome.