Executive functions and adaptive behaviour in individuals with Down syndrome

Background Previous research has exploredexecutive functions (EFs) and adaptive behaviour inchildren and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS),but there is a paucity of research on the relationshipbetween the two in this population. This study aims toshed light on the pro le of EFs and adaptivebehaviour in DS, exploring the differences by age andinvestigating the relationship between these twodomains.Method Parents/caregivers of 100 individuals withDS from 3 to 16 years old participated in the study.The sample was divided into preschoolers(3–6.11 years old) and school-age children (7–16 yearsold). Parents/caregivers completed either thePreschool Version of the Behaviour Rating Inventoryof Executive Function (for children 2–6.11 years old)or the Second Edition of the same Inventory(for individuals 7 + years old). Adaptive behaviourwas assessed with the Vineland Adaptive BehaviourScale – Interview, Second Edition.Results Findings suggest that individuals with DShave overall difculties, but also patterns of strengthand weakness in their EFs and adaptive behaviour.The preschool-age and school-age children’sEFproles differed slightly. While both age groupsshowed Emotional Control as a relative strength andWorking Memory as a weakness, the school-age grouprevealed further weaknesses in Shift and Plan/Organise. As concerns adaptive behaviour, the proleswere similar in the two age groups, with Socialisationas a strength, and Communication and Daily LivingSkills as weaknesses, but with a tendency forpreschoolers to obtain intermediate scores for thelatter. When the relationship between EFs andadaptive behaviour was explored, Working Memorypredicted Communication in the younger group, whilein the older group the predictors varied, depending onthe adaptive domains: Working Memory was apredictor of Communication , Inhibit of Daily LivingSkills, and Inhibit andShift of Socialisation .Conclusion As well as elucidating the EF proles andadaptive behaviour in individuals with DS by age, thisstudy points to the role of EFs in adaptive