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Performance During Object Retrieval Tasks in Young Children with and without Down Syndrome
  • Maninderjit Kaur,
  • Amy Needham
Maninderjit Kaur
MGH Institute of Health Professions

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Amy Needham
Vanderbilt University
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Abstract

Object retrieval skills requiring means-end exploration are delayed or impaired in infants with Down Syndrome (DS). The current study examined the role of ecological constraints, i.e., task difficulty and environmental context on the object retrieval skills of young children with DS. Thirteen children with DS (31.55 ± 4.14 months) and 13 mental-age matched Typically Developing (TD) children (17.31 ± 1.64 months) completed three tasks involving retrieving a toy from a transparent box (task 1), an opaque box (task 2), and a transparent box hidden inside an opaque box (task 3). Both DS and TD group performed similarly for the simpler task 1; but for task 2 and task 3, the DS group had less success rate, fewer use of complex asymmetric hand actions, and/or longer planning and execution times compared to TD group. Future studies should examine the developmental trends and specificity of means-ends exploratory behaviors in children with DS.
17 Jul 20231st Revision Received
22 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
22 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
27 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Sep 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
20 Nov 20232nd Revision Received
21 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
21 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor