Understanding executive dysfunction in adults with Down syndrome and its impact on work readiness.
Official title: Executive dysfunction as a treatment target for DS clinical trials: An evaluation of its real-world and neural correlates.
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10531698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how challenges with planning and organization can impact job success for adults with Down syndrome, and it aims to gather information from caregivers to help improve their chances of finding and keeping a job.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $121,521 |
| NIH project number | 3R21HD106164-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10531698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older with Down syndrome who are seeking to improve their work readiness and vocational outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Down syndrome or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how executive dysfunction affects the ability of adults with Down syndrome to succeed in vocational settings. By collecting data from caregivers, the study aims to identify factors that influence work readiness and employability, which are crucial for improving job outcomes. The research will involve a large cohort of individuals with Down syndrome, focusing on both their cognitive abilities and real-world experiences in the workplace. The findings could provide insights into how to better support these individuals in achieving their employment goals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vocational support and employment outcomes for adults with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing executive dysfunction can lead to meaningful improvements in vocational outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities, suggesting that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Nancy Raitano — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Nancy Raitano
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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.