Adaptive behavior of institutionalized individuals with Down syndrome
Silverstein, A.B.; Ageno, D.; Alleman, A.C.; Derecho, K.T.; Gray, S.B.; White, J.F.
American Journal of Mental Deficiency 89(5): 555-558
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9351 PMID: 3158204 Document Number: 264305
Institutional residents with Down syndrome (N = 413) were matched with an equal number of residents in other diagnostic categories with respect to sex, age, length of hospitalization, and IQ. The two groups were compared on 62 items of the Client Development Evaluation Report, and significant differences were found on 19 of these items. The subjects with Down syndrome tended to show greater social competence (except in the clarity of their speech) and less maladaptive behavior. To account for these differences, we offer the speculative hypothesis that the favorable expectations of service providers for their clients with Down syndrome may come to serve as self-fulfilling prophecies.