ERIC Number: EJ1468833
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Mar
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-2322
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3148
Available Date: 2025-03-19
Acceptability of a Novel Parent-Mediated Executive Function Intervention for Young Children with Down Syndrome in Italy
Sara Colaianni1; Madison M. Walsh2; Sara Onnivello1; Miranda E. Pinks2; Chiara Marcolin1; Kaylyn Van Deusen2; Elisa Rossi1; Nathaniel R. Riggs2; Francesca Pulina1; Lisa Daunhauer2; Deborah J. Fidler2; Silvia Lanfranchi1
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v38 n2 e70038 2025
Background: People with Down syndrome (DS) are predisposed to challenges with executive functions (EF), which are crucial for adaptive outcomes and academic success. Early interventions targeting EF are therefore critical. The present study analysed Italian data on the acceptability, enjoyability and household implementation of EXPO (EXecutive function Play Opportunities), a novel caregiver-mediated intervention designed to strengthen EF skills in young children with DS. Methods: Nineteen families of children aged 42-93 months participated. Caregivers completed questions via a smartphone app and provided feedback through Mid-Point and Exit questionnaires. Results: Implementation and enjoyment remained consistent throughout the intervention. Caregivers reported positive effects of EXPO on children's everyday life skills and found the coaching sessions beneficial for successful program implementation. Conclusion: The EXPO intervention is acceptable and enjoyable for both caregivers and children, with caregivers reporting perceived improvements in children's everyday life skills after participating in the program.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Down Syndrome, Parent Role, Intervention, Executive Function, Young Children, Program Effectiveness, Daily Living Skills, Play, Parent Attitudes, Child Development
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Italy
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1R61HD11516101
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; 2Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA