The impact of the "Developmental Resource Stimulation Programme"(DRSP) on children with Down syndrome.

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the impact of an intensive early-intervention programme, the Developmental Resource Stimulation Programme (DRSP), on Down syndrome (DS) children younger than 42 months in the South African context. The DRSP is a unique, child-parent specific, one-on-one, integrated developmental programme for children with Down syndrome from birth to 42 months. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the DRSP on Down syndrome children younger than 42 months in the South African context. Methodology: A non-randomised control group pre-test-post-test design was followed. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3^rd edition was used. Thirty children with the general characteristics of DS, specifically Trisomy 21, were included in the study. There were two groups, namely the intervention group (16 participants) and the control group (14) which were studied over a period of six months. Results: This study showed that a specifically designed programme, with participation of a parent, has a positive impact on the development of the child with Down syndrome. Conclusion: Contrary to the existing literature, there were positive changes in the fine-motor development and language of the intervention group overall and in the gross-motor development of children older than 9-months with Down syndrome.

Key words: early intervention programme, Down syndrome, younger than three years, developmental domains, occupational therapy