Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Executive Function Intervention for Young Children With Down Syndrome

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have an elevated likelihood of challenges with executive function (EF) throughout the lifespan, and syndrome-informed intervention approaches that strengthen these foundations during early childhood may be beneficial. This single group baseline versus postintervention pilot study presents findings from the implementation of a syndrome-informed, parent-mediated intervention designed to support the development of EF in preschool-aged children with DS (EXPO: Executive Function Play Opportunities). Method: Participants were 34 children aged 3–7 years old with DS and their caregivers. The full sample participated in a novel 12-week parent-mediated intervention focused on building working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and planning skills. Participants were evaluated at baseline and poststudy for feasibility outcomes and preliminary evidence of intervention efficacy. Results: Activities were feasible for families to implement and appropriate for the developmental range of participants in the study. Preliminary evidence of efficacy was observed via laboratory-based EF outcome measures. Within-sample heterogeneity in response to intervention was also observed. Conclusions: EXPO is feasible for a larger trial in its current form. Additional intervention modifications may further increase the potential impact of EXPO by addressing heterogeneity in presentations among young children with DS.