An intervention targeting social, communication and daily activity skills in children and adolescents with Down syndrome and autism: a pilot study

Figures & data

Table 1 Background data for children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder and the goals set

Patient No.	Sex	Age (years)	Level of ID	Number of goals set
1	F	18	Profound	5
2	M	18	Profound	4
3*	M	16	Profound	-
4	M	15	Severe	4
5	M	13	Profound	4
6	F	16	Severe	4
7	F	6	Mild	2
8	M	8	Severe	5
9	M	9	Moderate	2
10	M	8	Severe	2
11	F	17	Severe	4
12	M	16	Severe	4
13	M	7	Moderate	5
14	M	15	Profound	4

Notes: Intellectual Disability according to ICD-10; Mild intellectual disability = IQ 50–70; Moderate intellectual disability = IQ 35–50; Severe intellectual disability = IQ 20–35; Profound intellectual disability = IQ<20. *No 3 took part in the practice period but did not complete the goal evaluation; therefore, data are missing.

Abbreviations: F, Female; M, Male.

Figure 1 The intervention time schedule.

Table 2 “Family Strain Index” questionnaire

Item	In the past 4 weeks:
1	Did your child make you feel stressed or worried?
2	Did your child limit your time to relax or participate in social activities?
3	Did your child make you feel uncomfortable inviting friends and family to your home?
4	Did your child cause conflict or tension within the family?
5	Did your child prevent you from going to certain places with your child (eg, supermarket/shows, visiting friends/family)?
6	Did your child make you change a planned family activity (eg, weekend plans, day trips, social arrangements)

Notes: Scoring: 0= never; 1= almost never; 2= sometimes; 3= almost always; 4= always (max 24p).

Table 3 Parents’ perception of the intervention 18 months after completion

Item	Questions
1.	Was it positive for you as parents that your child received a diagnosis of autism?
2.	Has the intervention program been positive for you as parents?
3.	Has the intervention program been positive for your child with DS?
4.	Does your child still use activities that he/she practiced during the intervention?
5.	Does your child still use the communication aids that he/she practiced during the intervention?
6.	Do you still use strategies you learnt during the intervention program?

Notes: Scoring: 0= No, not at all/no positive effect; 120= Yes, very much/very positive effect.

Figure 2 Parents’ perception of the intervention 18 months after completion. Scoring: 0= No, not at all/no positive effect; 120= Yes, very much/very positive effect.