Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Developmental Profile and Variability in Preschool-Age Children With Down Syndrome
Sara Onnivello1, Giuseppe Ramacieri2,3, Elisa Rossi1
1Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Background:
The developmental and cognitive profile of Down syndrome (DS) has been studied across various age groups, but we have still a limited understanding of the preschool-age range, including the domains that show the greatest variability at this age. Our study aims to (1) define the developmental profile in preschool-age children with DS and (2) explore variability within domains of functioning.
Method:
We assessed 43 preschool-aged children with DS (38-76 months) using the Griffiths-III scales. This tool assesses development across five scales: Foundations of Learning, Language and Communication, Eye and Hand Coordination, Personal-Social-Emotional and Gross Motor Skills. We employed multivariate linear models for analysis.
Results:
The analyses revealed a peaks-and-valleys profile, with higher scores in the Personal-Social-Emotional and Gross Motor domains compared to the Foundations of Learning, Language and Communication and Eye and Hand Coordination scales. Notably, high interindividual variability was observed in the Language and Communication and Personal-Social-Emotional domains.
Conclusions:
Our findings identify strengths and weaknesses in specific domains within the preschool-aged range and show higher variability in the verbal and personal-social-emotional domains. All this information offers valuable insights for early intervention planning, supporting parents, caregivers, and stakeholders in promoting optimal development in children with DS.
More Related Videos
06:38In Vitro Modeling of Down Syndrome Neurogenesis Using Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
10:11Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism
Published on: December 14, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Intellectual Disability
Autism Spectrum Disorder
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.
Three Developmental Domains
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...