Early developmental profiles among infants with Down syndrome

• Published in: Journal of intellectual disability research Vol. 67; no. 3; pp. 228 - 238
• Main Authors: Onnivello, S., Schworer, E. K., Prince, M. A., Daunhauer, L. A., Fidler, D. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2023
• Subjects: Cardiac surgery; Caregivers; Child; Child Development; Developmental Disabilities; developmental profiles; Down Syndrome; Early intervention; Early Intervention, Educational; heterogeneity; Humans; Infancy; Infant; Infants; Occupational therapy; Profiles; Surgery; Young Children; heterogeneity; developmental profiles; Down syndrome
• ISSN: 0964-2633; 1365-2788
• DOI: 10.1111/jir.12997

Background Down syndrome (DS) generally predisposes children to a pattern of relative developmental strengths and challenges, but within‐syndrome heterogeneity is also commonly observed across many dimensions. The present research examines whether heterogeneity in developmental presentation can be detected during infancy in DS and whether factors associated with differing profiles can be identified. Methods Infants with DS (n = 75; age range: 3.9–17.6 months) were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (Bayley‐III). A primary caregiver provided information regarding developmental history and family demographics. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify whether early profiles were present across the five Bayley‐III domains. Results Three developmental profiles were observable within the sample: a ‘Mild Delay’ Profile, an ‘Moderate Delay’ Profile and a ‘Pronounced Delay’ Profile. In addition, chronological age, having received heart surgery and having received occupational therapy were associated with probability of profile membership. Conclusions Findings from this study contribute to the growing knowledgebase regarding heterogenous presentations associated with DS and can inform early intervention planning.