Modifiable child and caregiver factors that influence community participation among children with Down syndrome.
Nora ShieldsAmy EpsteinPeter JacobyRachel KimHelen Margaret LeonardDinah Susan ReddihoughAndrew J O WhitehouseNada MurphyJennepher Anne DownsPublished in: Disability and rehabilitation (2020)
Children with Down syndrome who participated in the community more frequently enjoyed greater involvement. Supporting participation of children with poorer verbal communication and/or sleep breathing disorders could further the participation of children with Down syndrome.Implications for rehabilitationChildren with Down syndrome who more frequently attended opportunities for participation were more likely to be involved in those experiences.Healthcare providers and educators could foster involvement in participation opportunities of children with poorer verbal ability by supporting the development of prerequisite communication strategies.Rehabilitation programs and policies pertaining to accessibility of community activities need to align with modifiable determinants of participation in children, including availability of caregivers' time.