Remote Down Syndrome Research Study
Researchers in the Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program are conducting a study to compare two virtual education programs for caregiver + child pairs.
Fast Facts
Children aged 3-7 years with Down syndrome and their caregivers
No-cost behavioral intervention
Conducted virtually
Study Background
Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program is conducting a research study with caregiver + child pairs.
In this virtual research study, we will compare the impact of a 1:1 caregiver coaching intervention using the JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, Regulation) curriculum with a self-directed Psychoeducational Curriculum.
JASPER is a behavioral intervention focused on teaching developmental skills that can improve behaviors/emotional responses, social communication skills and overall developmental in children with Down syndrome. The Psychoeducational Curriculum is a self-paced curriculum that includes written information about child development, communication and social interaction skills, behavioral principles for managing challenging behavior, and strategies for teaching new skills.
We want to determine the impacts of both interventions on caregiver responsiveness, child joint engagement with the caregiver, and caregiver implementation of behavioral strategies. This study will also explore how the intervention materials impact the participating child’s developing skills and behavior including language, social skills, problem behavior, and daily living skills.
Study Background
Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program is conducting a research study with caregiver + child pairs.
In this virtual research study, we will compare the impact of a 1:1 caregiver coaching intervention using the JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, Regulation) curriculum with a self-directed Psychoeducational Curriculum.
JASPER is a behavioral intervention focused on teaching developmental skills that can improve behaviors/emotional responses, social communication skills and overall developmental in children with Down syndrome. The Psychoeducational Curriculum is a self-paced curriculum that includes written information about child development, communication and social interaction skills, behavioral principles for managing challenging behavior, and strategies for teaching new skills.
We want to determine the impacts of both interventions on caregiver responsiveness, child joint engagement with the caregiver, and caregiver implementation of behavioral strategies. This study will also explore how the intervention materials impact the participating child’s developing skills and behavior including language, social skills, problem behavior, and daily living skills.
Additional Information
We are looking at the possible effectiveness of two different caregiver education programs that focus on social interaction, play skills, strategies for managing challenging behavior, and overall development.
You may be eligible for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Caregiver of child aged 3-7 years with Down syndrome
- Caregiver willing to participate in virtual study visits along with child
- Child has no significant and uncorrected hearing and/or vision problems
- Caregiver has a phone/tablet/computer for video conferencing and/or video recording
- Caregiver and child speak English
This study is 100% virtual and can be done from home! Participation consists of 10 weeks of material via email or Zoom. Caregiver surveys and developmental assessments will be conducted at the start of the program, the end of the program, and 10 weeks follow-up.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
Please reach out to the below email address or phone number for answers to questions or additional information about the research study.
Email: dsjasperstudy@childrens.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-992-6707