Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
06:38
In Vitro Modeling of Down Syndrome Neurogenesis Using Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
The Down Syndrome Profile Emerges Gradually Across Early Development
Hana D'Souza1,2,3, Annette Karmiloff-Smith2,3, Denis Mareschal2,3
1Centre for Human Developmental Science, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Summary
Children with Down syndrome (DS) show evolving developmental profiles, with persistent motor challenges and language skills shifting from relative weakness to strength. Understanding these patterns aids in providing targeted support for individuals with DS.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by intellectual disability, with specific challenges in expressive language and gross motor skills, and relative strengths in receptive language.
- The developmental trajectory of these specific abilities in early childhood is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence of the characteristic developmental profile in children with Down syndrome during the first five years of life.
- To analyze developmental trajectories across different domains and assess the stability of individual differences.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 104 children with Down syndrome (aged 6-63 months) using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL).
- Developmental trajectories were analyzed and validated using a longitudinal subsample.
Main Results:
- Developmental trajectories diverged from typical development with an uneven pattern across domains.
- Gross motor difficulties persisted, expressive language emerged as a relative weakness, and receptive language became an area of relative strength with age.
- Longitudinal data indicated limited stability of individual differences, with the exception of visual reception.
Conclusions:
- The characteristic developmental profile in Down syndrome evolves over the first five years.
- Understanding these emerging patterns and individual difference stability is crucial for developing tailored interventions and support strategies for children with Down syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:49Meiosis I
Meiosis is a carefully orchestrated set of cell divisions, the goal of which—in humans—is to produce haploid sperm or eggs, each containing half the number of chromosomes present in somatic cells elsewhere in the body. Meiosis I is the first such division, and involves several key steps, among them: condensation of replicated chromosomes in diploid cells; the pairing of homologous chromosomes and their exchange of information; and finally, the separation of homologous chromosomes by a...
01:17Karyotyping
Describing the number and physical features of chromosomes can reveal abnormalities that underlie genetic diseases. This description is facilitated by special staining techniques that produce a particular banding pattern on each chromosome. State-of-the-art techniques make this approach even more powerful, enabling the detection of individual genes that cause disease.A Simple Chromosome Staining Technique Provides Valuable Scientific InsightSome genetic diseases can be detected by looking at...
01:19Autism 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.
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.
02:57Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
01:29Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...