The Participation Patterns of Youth with Down Syndrome.

Dale Allen Ulrich,Jennifer Leichtman,Nicole Cook,Megan MacDonald,Phil Esposito

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2016.00253

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the participation patterns of children with Down syndrome (DS) using the construct of participation as defined by the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). Sixty-two children with DS were recruited between the ages of 9 and 17 years. All participants were given an interview-administered version of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) to measure participation (1). Children with DS participated the most often, based on frequency, in recreational activities (p < 0.001); social activity types represented the greatest extension into the community based on with whom the children participated with (p < 0.05); finally, physical and social activities represented the greatest extension into the community geographically (p < 0.001). In addition, children with DS are significantly more active in activities that are informal in nature. Children with DS participate in a number of activities; however, the extent of their participation within these activities differs depending on the participation pattern examined. Implications for educational and community-based programs are discussed.

Highlights

The physical, social, academic, and spiritual growth of children and adults with and without disabilities is positively influenced by active participation [2,3,4,5]
Children with Down syndrome (DS) participated the most often, based on frequency, in recreational activities (p < 0.001); social activity types represented the greatest extension into the community based on with whom the children participated with (p < 0.05); physical and social activities represented the greatest extension into the community geographically (p < 0.001)
Active participation is the level of participation that allows individuals to gain positive outcomes in multiple domains such as the physical, cognitive, and social [6] that contribute to personal growth and development [7]

Summary

Introduction

The physical, social, academic, and spiritual growth of children and adults with and without disabilities is positively influenced by active participation [2,3,4,5]. When initiated at a young age, active participation in physical activity can positively influence physical activity patterns into adolescence and adulthood [8, 9]. Children with disabilities engage and participate less often than their peers without disabilities [10,11,12]. This is alarming considering the increased health risks for many children with disabilities [13, 14]. Even with knowledge of health- and psychological-related benefits physical activity and active participation provide for

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Discussion

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