Down Syndrome: the benefit of a home programme for children with Down Syndrome as measured on the Griffiths Development Scales
Date
2014-04-03
Authors
Skenjana, Irene B. Nosiba
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Abstract
This study presents the developmental changes in 20 children with Down Syndrome after
participating in an early intervention programme (START) for a minimum period of six
months, using the Griffiths Development Scales as outcome measures. It is a descriptive 0
ex post facto study comparing developmental change (DQ) in these children with Down
Syndrome who participated in the intervention programme with a non-participating or
control group matched for age, sex and socio-economic status. All children with Down °
Syndrome were diagnosed clinically and serologically. The data was collected over ten
sessions, and included a formal child assessment, using Griffiths,Development Scales,
parent or caregivers ,interviews and questionnaires. Analysis indicated that me START
programme was associated with a statistically significant improvement in thejdomain o f
speech and hearing, and also with the onset of developmental milestones such as sitting,
walking and speech: However, there was no statistically significant diffarencdin the ;
developmental quotient (DQ) of the two groups. Th^ results were critically examineeiin,
terms of methodological issues around acquisition di1 a pure control group pitinBthe
ethical imperatives to provide treatment, leading to difficulties in sampli% for age ah
d& ree of impairment. From the results it was concluded that the SenAcW
have been due to caregiver variations althou^i the START programme may stdl has
a role to play.