Spatial Training for Down Syndrome

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Based on available literature and our own preliminary research, the researchers have concluded that persons with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit difficulties in utilizing the specific spatial abilities of mental rotation and perspective taking and performing complex spatial tasks such as wayfinding and environmental learning. A weakness in spatial abilities may have many direct applications to daily life, ranging from activities such as tying shoes to using hand tools and navigating the environment. Spatial abilities also serve as a cognitive foundation for many other complex skills such as solving mathematical problems and using spatial language for giving and receiving directions. Moreover, spatial abilities are used in a variety of specialty jobs such as grocery stocking, packaging, and assembling, which are among the most commonly reported jobs for adults with DS. Hence, a new focus on spatial ability and its modifiability in persons with DS is clearly warranted. The primary goal of the research proposed in this application is to evaluate the malleability of mental rotation and perspective taking in people with DS through providing intentional experience with numerous spatial activities. Two groups of participants will be tested over the course of the project: adolescents and young adults with DS and typically developing (TD) children. Following an initial evaluation of performance on the two abilities, participants will receive up to eight sessions of spatial activity experience utilizing puzzle construction, block building, and computer search tasks. Following the experience sessions, spatial abilities of participants will be re-evaluated. These data will be used to investigate two specific aims. First, the researchers investigate whether spatial abilities of persons with DS can be modified by experience with spatial activities. Second, the researchers investigate whether the degree of modification observed for persons with DS can reduce performance differences between them and TD children. The researchers also consider whether performance on the PPVT, Raven's matrices, and Chronological Age are associated with any benefits from spatial ability experience.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children aged 4-9 years with typical development, and individuals aged 10-25 years with Down Syndrome who have verbal comprehension abilities at or above a 4-year-old level. It aims to help them improve their spatial skills which are crucial for daily tasks.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 10 and 25 years old and have Down Syndrome.

My child is between 4 and 9 years old and typically develops.

I can understand and use language like a 4-year-old or better.

Participant Groups

The study tests if special activities can enhance spatial abilities in people with Down Syndrome. Participants will do puzzles, block building, and computer tasks over up to eight sessions to see if these exercises can improve mental rotation and perspective taking.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: ImmediateExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will receive 16 weeks of spatial ability experience.

Group II: DelayedPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Participants will receive 8 weeks of verbal ability experience prior to receiving 8 weeks of spatial ability experience.