Scores on independence, quality of life, and satisfaction on visual mapping software intervention in children with Down syndrome

Enhancing independence and quality of life are key modifiable outcomes
that are short- and long-term goals for children with Down syndrome and
for their parents. Here we report the outcome of a 4-week feasibility
study in a cohort of 26 children with Down Syndrome, 7–17 years old, who
used an assistive technology approach that incorporated smart device
software and step-by-step pictures (the MapHabit System). Parents reported
improvements in children’s activities of daily living, quality of life,
and independence. They recommended this technology to other families. This
report and its findings underscore the feasibility of using assistive
technology in children with Down syndrome within home and family settings.
The current findings that assistive technology can be used successfully
and effectively in family and home settings set the stage for more
informative systematic studies using assistive technology for this
population.