NIH-funded research R21 grant

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDrexel University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startSeptember 21, 2021
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2022
Award (this year)$121,521
NIH project number3R21HD106164-01S1
Project IDNIH-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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.