Observations on the visual-perceptual abilities and adaptive behavior in adults with Down syndrome.

In this research, we consider some psychological, social, and clinical implications of premature aging in persons with Down syndrome (DS). Perceptual and adaptive tests contribute to a better knowledge of the characteristics of mental decline and self-government in DS adults. Visual-perceptual abilities (as measured by the Frosting Development Test of Visual Perception) and behavioral and social adaptation (measured by the Brown Adaptive Behavioral Inventory) were examined in 44 DS subjects aged 14 to 43 years. The results indicated a general decline in performance in the older groups (over 25 years), except in the visual-motor subtest, where a decline is less evident, as this ability continues to be exercised in craft work. Statistical analysis indicates a significant correlation between perceptual abilities, adaptive scales, and mental age. From the data collected, we draw some general conclusions about the trend of perceptual abilities and self-government in relation to aging in DS persons.