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Pretend play and patterns of cognition in Down's syndrome children
Insights
This study found that symbolic play in children with Down's syndrome is more closely linked to their mental age than chronological age. This suggests play development reflects cognitive maturity in these children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Down's syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with cognitive impairments.
- Symbolic play is a key developmental milestone reflecting cognitive abilities.
- The Bayley Scales of Infant Development are a standard tool for assessing cognitive functioning in infants and young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive functioning and symbolic play in young children with Down's syndrome.
- To determine if mental age or chronological age is a better predictor of symbolic play level in this population.
Main Methods:
- Children with Down's syndrome (20–53 months chronological age, 12–26 months mental age) participated.
- A 30-minute home-based play session was videotaped.
- Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Mental Scale and Infant Behavior Record).
Main Results:
- A 4-level scale for symbolic play was developed and applied.
- Symbolic play level showed a stronger correlation with mental age than chronological age.
- Performance on the Infant Behavior Record was also highly correlated with symbolic play level.
Conclusions:
- Mental age is a more significant factor than chronological age in predicting symbolic play development in children with Down's syndrome.
- Symbolic play can serve as an indicator of cognitive maturity in this population.
- Further research can explore interventions to enhance symbolic play and cognitive development.
Abstract:
This study was designed to examine the relationship between cognitive functioning of Down's syndrome subjects as measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and their symbolic play level. Subjects ranged in chronological age from 20 to 53 months and in mental age from 12 to 26 months. Each child was seen at home with the mother or primary caretaker present. A 1/2-hour play session was videotaped, followed by administration of the Bayley Mental Scale and Infant Behavior Record. Analysis of play behavior supported a 4-level scale. Symbolic play level was more highly correlated with mental age than with chronological age. Performance on the Infant Behavior Record was also highly correlated with symbolic play level.