Associated Mechanisms of Goal Directed Behavior in Infants and Young Children with Down Syndrome

Early goal-directed behavior is an important area of cognitive development for long-term outcomes in typical development yet is substantially disrupted in Down syndrome (DS). While motor abilities, visual attention, and haptic perception are established associated mechanisms of early goal-directed behavior in typical development, there has been minimal investigation into these as mechanisms of goal-directed behavior in children with DS. The aim of the present study was to examine fine motor, gross motor, visual attention, and haptic perception as associated mechanisms of two types of goal-directed behavior in DS. Participants included 38 infants and toddlers with DS (mean CA=24.84 months). Measures included standardized assessments of fine and gross motor, and behavioral assessments of visual attention, tactile integration, problem solving, and functional object use. Results identified specificity in associated mechanisms across different types of goal-directed behavior—problem solving, and functional object use. Haptic perception was identified as the most salient predictor of goal-directed behavior. Collectively, findings indicate that haptic perception and fine and gross motor abilities are essential mechanisms of goal-directed behavior in DS and therefore may serve as potential targets for intervention.