The association between motor skills and adaptive behavior skills in individuals with Down syndrome

Abstract

Children with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit delayed motor development (Winders et al., 2019). Furthermore, individuals with DS show deficits in adaptive skills necessary to live an independent and high-quality life (Balboni et al., 2020). Researchers consider motor development and behavioral development separate; however, the acquisition of these skills are fundamentally associated (Adolf and Hoch, 2019). There is insufficient research examining how motor skill function affects adaptive skills in individuals with DS. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the associations between motor and adaptive skills in individuals with DS. Twenty-two participants with DS (ages 8 – 32) completed the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Short Form and The Vineland Adaptative Behavior Scales. Results showed no significant differences between the three adaptive domains: communication, daily living, and social skills (p=.275). There was a positive, moderate, and significant relationship between motor function and overall adaptive behavior composite (r=0.50). Results support that motor development may be a key constraint in the development of communication, daily livings, and social skills.