Life Skills Improved in Children With Down Syndrome After Using Assistive Technology

Independence, Quality of Life, and Adaptive Behavioral Skills Improved in Children With Down Syndrome After Using Assistive Technology

Enhancing independence and quality of life are key modifiable outcomes that are short- and long-term goals for children with Down syndrome (DS) and for their parents. The study investigated the efficacy of assistive technology in improving children with Down Syndrome's independence and quality of life. Using a commercially available assistive technology, the MapHabit system, the investigators implemented the software with participants' families for 4 weeks. The investigators hypothesized that the assistive technology will improve adaptive behavioral skills and overall quality of life.

This single-arm repeated measures design examined the effects of a software device as an intervention, permitting the participants to serve as their own controls.

The MapHabit System (MHS) is a commercially available visual mapping software application that utilize visual, audio, and text media to create step-by-step visual guides to assist individuals and their caregivers in structuring and accomplishing activities of daily living (ADLs). The goal of the application is to develop and facilitate habits and routines using structured visual and auditory stimuli that can be customized by the user and can include educational and lesson-based material in addition to ADLs. The application was made available to families through compatible smartphones and tablets. The MHS is a general wellness product and there is no regulatory oversight of the MapHabit System mapping functionality. This functionality is not a regulated medical device.

Assessment is used commonly for children with Down syndrome that evaluates conceptual, social, and practical behavioral skills that are significant for day-to-day functioning. The assessment is scored with the General Adaptive Composite (GAC), which summarizes performance across all adaptive skill areas. GAC score ranges from 0-130, with a higher score indicating better outcome.

Pre-Post: The assessment was administered at the beginning and end of the study's duration (4-week study).

18-item quality-of-life questionnaire (QoL-18) evaluated a range of participants' behaviors, including mood, engagement, and memory at the end of the study compared to before the use of the MHS. The instrument is scored on a Likert Scale, ranging from 1-5. A higher number indicates better outcome.

The instrument was administered to the participants after the completion of the study duration (4-week study).

Inclusion Criteria: Down syndrome diagnosis Age between 7-17 Internet access Proficiency in English Exclusion Criteria: Ages outside of 7-17 Located outside of the United States of America No internet access No proficiency in English

Researchers who provide a methodologically sound proposal. Proposals should be directed to szola@maphabit.com. To gain access, data requestors will need to sign a data access agreement.

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