Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
07:20

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
Down syndromeearly interventionhome programmesoccupational therapy

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism 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.
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...