Behavior and adaptive functioning in adolescents with Down syndrome: specifying targets for intervention

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Genetics

Background:

• Adolescents with Down syndrome often exhibit more behavior problems than peers.
• Limited research exists on the link between these behavior problems and adaptive functioning.
• This study investigates behavior and adaptive functioning in adolescents with Down syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize behavior in adolescents with Down syndrome using caregiver reports (BASC-2, CBCL).
• To examine the clinical utility of the BASC-2 for assessing behavior and adaptive functioning in this population.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-two adolescents (ages 12-18) with Down syndrome participated.
• Cognitive ability was estimated using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, 4th Edition (PPVT-IV).
• Caregivers completed the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition (BASC-2) and Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL).

Main Results:

• A significant number of participants displayed behavior problems, especially concerning attention and social participation.
• Adaptive functioning varied, with common impairments in daily living skills and functional communication.
• Attention problems on the BASC-2 significantly predicted variance in Activities of Daily Living, Leadership, Functional Communication, Adaptability, and Social Skills.

Conclusions:

• Results confirm and expand on previous findings regarding behavior problems and adaptive functioning in Down syndrome.
• The study provides novel insights into the BASC-2's clinical utility for this population.
• Understanding these relationships can guide targeted interventions to improve quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome.