Background: Feeding difficulties, including aspiration risk, are common in children with Down syndrome. Identifying factors affecting feeding modality is crucial. Method: This cross-sectional study included 335 children with Down syndrome (aged 4-12 years; mean 5.2). Feeding was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Screening…

Background: Existing literature failed to explore the parental expectations and experiences from physiotherapy for children with Down syndrome. Hence, we aimed to validate a semi-structured interview guide to explore parental experiences and expectations from physiotherapy for children with Down syndrome. Methods: A 28-item interview guide was…

Introduction: Narratives are enriched by taking the perspective of the protagonists, which can be expressed using reported speech. Nevertheless, the use of reported speech is unaddressed internationally among individuals with Down syndrome. Method: Narratives of 28 children and adolescents with Down syndrome were collected using a non-verbal…

Background: At least half of children and adults with Down syndrome have a major mental health concern during their life but few studies ask people with Down syndrome directly about their experience. We used a co-research model to explore anxiety, stress, and coping in adults with Down syndrome. Methods: Our group of researchers and adults with…

Background: Most adults with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in their 30s, yet research into cognitive health programmes for this group remains limited. Method: A mixed-methods feasibility randomised control trial (RCT) evaluated an adapted, manualised group-based cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) programme for adults…

Background: Family caregivers of adults with Down syndrome often provide life-long caregiving support for their loved one. Long-term caregiving can impact caregivers' health and well-being, yet their experiences and support needs are underexplored. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of adults with Down syndrome to…

Background: Online exercise interventions can improve access to tailored programmes for individuals with intellectual disabilities (including Down syndrome). This paper aimed to describe best practices and provide recommendations for online physical activity or exercise programmes for this population. Method: Two research teams with extensive…

Background: Online exercise programming reduces transportation and scheduling barriers. This study explored the feasibility of online resistance training for individuals with Down syndrome. Method: Thirteen individuals (3 M/10 F, age: 21.7 ± 5.9 years) began a 10-week programme delivered using a website with pre-recorded exercise videos (45--60…

Introduction: The Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scale (ADAMS), a mental health screening tool developed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, has yet to be evaluated in adults with Down syndrome. We included the ADAMS in a Dementia Protocol. Method: We reviewed the charts of 71 adults with Down syndrome seen in a specialty clinic and…

Background: Parents' conceptualizations of adulthood for their emerging adults with Down syndrome have the potential to impact the transition planning process as families prepare for life after graduation. Aims: This study aimed to explore parent perceptions of the meaning of adulthood for their emerging adults with Down syndrome. Methods: In this…

Background: Feeding is an important health consideration for children with Down syndrome due to their increased risks for feeding challenges and overweight/obesity. Healthcare providers play an important role in providing feeding guidance to families; however, there is limited research on feeding children with Down syndrome and the role of…

Background: Sedentary behaviour (SB) among adults with Down syndrome (DS) may differ based on personal or environmental factors. Objective: Investigate differences in SB levels and patterns of adults with DS based on sex, age, and residence-type across weekdays and weekends. Methods: Thirty-four adults with DS (15 men; 37 ± 12 years) underwent…

Introduction: The VO[subscript 2] max test is the gold standard measure for aerobic fitness. A standardised treadmill protocol was developed years ago for individuals with Down syndrome but with variations in terms of starting speed, load increases and time spent at each stage. However, we realised that the most widely used protocol for adults…

Background: Rates of death and avoidable deaths are reportedly higher among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This study contributes to our understanding of how mortality and intellectual and development disabilities are associated. Method: General population and intellectual and developmental disabilities adult cohorts were…

Background: Asthma and respiratory diseases pose significant global health risks. Respiratory infections substantially impact individuals with Down syndrome, affecting their overall well-being. This study examines respiratory health risks associated with Down syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Method: A survey of 115 participants used convenience sampling…