Strengthening thinking and self-control in young children with Down syndrome
Executive Function Intervention for Young Children with Down Syndrome
This 12-week caregiver-guided play program helps young children with Down syndrome build thinking, attention, and self-control skills.
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-11379783 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a caregiver, you would learn play-based activities to do with your young child over 12 weeks that target executive functions like attention, working memory, and self-control. The program is specifically adapted to the strengths and challenges common in Down syndrome so activities reduce language and cognitive barriers. Researchers will refine the program using caregiver feedback and add adaptive options to give extra support to children who respond more slowly. During this phase they will check usability, feasibility, and look for early signs that the activities help children make gains.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Young children with Down syndrome (early childhood through early school age) whose caregivers can participate in a 12-week, caregiver-mediated program are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with medical issues that prevent consistent participation or families unable to commit to caregiver-led activities may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help children with Down syndrome improve everyday planning, attention, and self-control, easing learning and daily routines.
How similar studies have performed: A small preliminary implementation in 2023 showed promising feasibility, acceptability, and early signs of benefit, while the adaptive tailoring planned here is a new step.
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.