Learning Potential is Useful in Pre-schoolers with Fragile X and Down Syndrome

Abstract

This paper examines the performance of both Down syndrome (DS) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) pre-schoolers in cognitive tasks of nonverbal reasoning and short-term memory (visual and auditory) and the ability to stimulate cognitive functions with a methodology of learning potential. It is the first study where this methodology is applied to FXS. The basic scales of the Escala de Habilidades y Potencial de Aprendizaje en Preescolares [Skills and Learning Potential Preschool Scale] were administered in 20 preschools with Down syndrome and 16 male preschools with Fragile X syndrome matched for chronological age and level of nonverbal cognitive development. The results indicated that the group FXS runs better on memory tasks without differences in reasoning tasks before mediation. Also, it is possible to stimulate the implementation in cognitive tasks of preschool children with DS or FXS significantly improving the performance of both groups except for auditory memory and DS in categorization rules. As conclusions, the scale offers the opportunity to assess skills in young children and know the degree of cognitive modifiability. Furthermore, possible factors affecting the performance of the children before and during mediation are discussed.

Keywords

• Cognitive abilities
• Learning potential
• Down syndrome
• Fragile X syndrome
• Early intervention
• Pre-school