Helping young children with Down Syndrome improve their thinking skills
Executive Function Intervention for Young Children with Down Syndrome
This project is developing a play-based program called EXPO to help young children with Down Syndrome strengthen important thinking skills, with caregivers leading the activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135572 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Young children with Down Syndrome often face challenges with executive functions, which are skills like planning, focusing, and problem-solving. This project is refining a 12-week program called EXPO, or "EXecutive Function Play Opportunities," that caregivers can use at home. EXPO is designed to build these thinking skills in a way that fits the unique strengths and challenges of children with Down Syndrome. We are gathering feedback from caregivers to make the program even better and more personalized, so it can help more children reach their full potential.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young children with Down Syndrome and their caregivers who are interested in participating in a home-based, play-focused program.
Not a fit: Children who are older than the target age range or who do not have Down Syndrome may not receive direct benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide young children with Down Syndrome a way to improve crucial thinking skills early in life, potentially leading to better adaptation and development.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary testing of EXPO has shown promising results regarding its feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness, indicating a strong foundation for this refined approach.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fidler, Deborah J — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Fidler, Deborah J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.