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Home-Based Occupational Therapy Early Intervention Programs in Children with Down Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical
K G Argueta Dheming1, L Oliveira Silva1, M C V da Silva2
1Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Home-based programs combined with early intervention (EI) significantly improved occupational performance and self-care in children with Down Syndrome (DS). This approach enhances EI services for young children with DS.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Occupational Therapy
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Down Syndrome (DS) presents developmental challenges requiring tailored interventions.
- Early intervention (EI) is crucial for optimizing outcomes in young children with DS.
- Integrating home-based strategies can potentially enhance the effectiveness of EI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of combining home-based programs with EI as an occupational therapy strategy for children with DS.
- To assess the impact of Family-Centered Practice (FCP)-grounded home programs within EI.
- To compare outcomes between children receiving EI only versus EI plus home-based programs.
Main Methods:
- A six-month longitudinal pilot study involved 30 children with DS (aged 0-3 years).
- Participants were assigned to either EI alone (control) or EI with home-based programs (experimental).
- Outcomes measured included occupational performance (COPM), disability inventory (PEDI), and home environment affordances (AHEMD).
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant pre- to post-intervention improvements (p < 0.001).
- The experimental group demonstrated moderate effect sizes in occupational performance (0.61), satisfaction (0.50), and self-care (0.56).
- Environmental affordances showed no significant between-group differences.
Conclusions:
- Integrating FCP-based home programs into EI led to greater improvements in occupational performance, satisfaction, and self-care for children with DS.
- Home-based programs are a feasible and effective complementary occupational therapy approach.
- This strategy enhances EI services for young children with Down Syndrome.
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