INCLUSÃO DE CRIANÇAS COM SÍNDROME DE DOWN: UM ENSAIO TEÓRICO SOBRE A IMPORTÂNCIA DA RELAÇÃO FAMÍLIA-ESCOLA

Faced with the theme of inclusion, discussions about the importance of the family-school relationship are relevant with regard to the socialization of children with Down Syndrome. In this perspective, the main objective of this essay was to explore the scientific literature about the challenges faced by parents, family and teachers in the process of inclusion of children with Down syndrome. Specifically, this article sought to propose discussions on the importance of community awareness and collaboration to change the paradigm of inclusion. Therefore, scientific articles, books and academic papers found in the Google Scholar database were selected, between the period 2011 to 2021, based on the following keywords: People with disabilities; Down's syndrome; Inclusion; History of people with disabilities; Diagnosis of a child with a disability and; Family-School Relationship. Among the main factors influencing the inclusion process of children with Down's Syndrome, beliefs and stigmas of parents, family members, school professionals and society about the child's ability to deal with other people and learn, stand out. family support and the lack of support/guidance from an interdisciplinary team. The inclusion of people with disabilities still faces barriers and challenges that need to be overcome, however, through the active participation of the scientific community and political-social movements, studies on the theme of inclusion show that changes in this scenario have occurred gradually.

Neuromuscular Excercise in Children with Down Syndrome. A Systematic Review

Objective to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular exercise, specifying the parameters and characteristics of effective interventions to improve balance, muscle strength and flexibility in children with DS between the ages of 4 and 18 years. Data Sources: A search was carried out on PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, SCIELO, Lilacs, Cochrane library. Study Selection: The search yielded 1384 eligible articles. Randomized clinical trials were selected, and that would have reported the effectiveness in the outcomes. Data Extraction: The methodology and results of the studies were critically appraised in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines. Data Synthesis: Ten studies were included. The interventions included mechanotherapy, vibration, and use of different unstable surfaces. The exercise frequency ranged from three days to five days a week, and the duration of each session was between six and 15 minutes. The frequency was between two and three times a week for 6 and 12 weeks and the intensity was between 60% and 80% of maximum resistance (MR). Conclusion neuromuscular exercise appears to be effective for the improvement of both lower limb and chest muscle strength and balance in children over 8 years of age.

Associations of Motor Performance and Executive Functions: Comparing Children with Down Syndrome to Chronological and Mental Age-Matched Controls

Background. Children with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit lower motor and cognitive performance than typically developing children (TD). Although there is a relationship between these two developmental domains, only a few studies have addressed this association in children with DS compared to groups of the same chronological age (CA) or mental age (MA) within one study. This study aimed to fill this research gap. Method and Procedures. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and the Trail-Making Test was used to assess motor and cognitive performances in 12 children (M = 10.5 ± 10.08) with DS, 12 CA-matched, and 12 MA-matched controls. Results. There are significant group differences in the motor dimension (total test score; p < 0.001, η2p = 0.734), for processing speed (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.396), and cognitive flexibility (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.498). Between TD-CA and both other groups, the differences in the magnitude of correlations for the motor dimension balance are also significant (compared to DS: z = −2.489; p = 0.006, and to TD-MA: z = −3.12; p < 0.001). Conclusions. Our results suggest that the relationships depend on the studied cognitive and motor skills. It seems crucial to select a wide range of tasks for both domains that are as isolated as possible for future studies, to better understand the relationships between cognitive and motor skills in children with DS.

Complications of Posterior Fusion for Atlantoaxial Instability in Children With Down Syndrome

Objective: To clarify the complications of posterior fusion for atlantoaxial instability (AAI) in children with Down syndrome and to discuss the significance of surgical intervention.Methods: Twenty pediatric patients with Down syndrome underwent posterior fusion for AAI between February 2000 and September 2018 (age, 6.1 ± 1.9 years). C1–2 or C1–3 fusion and occipitocervical fusion were performed in 14 and 6 patients, respectively. The past medical history, operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), duration of Halo vest immobilization, postoperative follow-up period, and intra- and perioperative complications were examined.Results: The operation time was 257.9 ± 55.6 minutes, and the EBL was 101.6 ± 77.9 mL. Complications related to the operation occurred in 6 patients (30.0%). They included 1 major complication (5.0%): hydrocephalus at 3 months postoperatively, possibly related to an intraoperative dural tear. Other surgery-related complications included 3 cases of superficial infections, 1 case of bone graft donor site deep infection, 1 case of C2 pedicle fracture, 1 case of Halo ring dislocation, 1 case of pseudoarthrosis that required revision surgery, and 1 case of temporary neurological deficit after Halo removal at 2 months postoperatively. Complications unrelated to the operation included 2 cases of respiratory infections and 1 case of implant loosening due to a fall at 9 months postoperatively.Conclusion: The complication rate of upper cervical fusion in patients with Down syndrome remained high; however, major complications decreased substantially. Improved intra- and perioperative management facilitates successful surgical intervention for upper cervical instability in pediatric patients with Down syndrome.

Dance, functioning and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder dance, functioning and quality of life in Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder

This study investigated dance practice in psychosocial and functional aspects, and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Children with DS and ASD, between 3 and 12 years old, attended a dance program during 16 sessions/lessons, lasting 60 min, twice a week, in suitable place. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Childhood Autism Rating Scale SF-36 quality of life survey, and Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Inquiry (KAP Inquiry) were applied before and after dance classes. Eleven participants concluded the study. Functional independence changes were observed in relation to self-care, sphincter control, locomotion, and communication domains. Children’ “quality of life” reported by parents showed changes in functional capacity, vitality, mental health, physical and social aspects, and general state of health domains. These findings suggest that regular dance practice can underlie psychosocial adjustments in children with DS and ASD.