A further 3 volumes of Down Syndrome Research and Practice have now been published on Down Syndrome Online. Among the many research papers in volumes 9, 10 and 11 is a special feature on what is understood about the Down syndrome ‘behavioural phenotype’ (volume 9, issue 3).
Down Syndrome Research and Practice has recently relaunched to offer information to non-specialist readers from many backgrounds and to specialist readers from many disciplines.
Children with Down syndrome show higher rates (than typically developing children) of behaviour difficulties, including attention problems, social withdrawal, noncompliance, compulsions and self-talk. This new case study illustrates the successful use of behaviourally based intervention procedures to address challenging behaviour in young children with Down syndrome.
Communication can be challenging for children with Down syndrome. This new case study exmaines strategies for promoting spontaneous communication. The authors explore the impact of a behavioural intervention to teach spontaneous utterances with a young child with Down syndrome.
The hard palate is the bony plate located in the roof of the mouth. It plays an important role in speech. This study examines the structure of the hard palate among individuals with Down syndrome and the possible implications for clear speech.
Good dental hygiene is important and requires effective daily attention. A new study investigates the prevalence of periodontal disease among children and adolescents with Down syndrome in Brazil. It also explores the impact of periodontal disease on the quality of life for these young people.
Everyone needs exercise, but people with Down syndrome often face challenges in engaging in physical activities. A new study investigates the perceptions of parents about the health and physical activity needs of their children with Down syndrome. The authors report and discuss the issues surrounding access to physical activities.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) appears to be common among people with Down syndrome. The reasons for this are not well understood. A new study examines the prevalence of bruxism in a Mexican community of children with Down syndrome and evaluates the relationship of bruxism to factors including age, sex and level of disability.
The journal has also adopted an Open Access publishing policy and all articles are
now freely accessible online. A printed edition continues to be available
by subscription.