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Channell MM, Mattie LJ, Schworer EK, Fidler DJ, Esbensen AJ. Using the Social Skills Improvement System (SSiS) Rating Scales to assess social skills in youth with Down syndrome. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1105520. [PMID: 37082574 PMCID: PMC10110963 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1105520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and MethodsThis study provides preliminary data on the Social Skills Improvement System (SSiS) Rating Scales Parent Form to measure social skills in a sample of 124 children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) ages 6–17 years.ResultsOverall, participants demonstrated relatively mild symptoms, with the sample’s average standard score falling within 1 standard deviation from the mean of the normative sample for the social skills (M = 92, SD = 15) and problem behaviors (M = 104, SD = 12) domains (normative sample M = 100, SD = 15 for both domains). However, a wide range of scores was observed across the sample for the composite and subscale scores. Differential patterns were also observed by subscale. For some subscales (i.e., Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Engagement, Externalizing, Hyperactivity/Inattention, and Autism Spectrum), a disproportionate number of participants scored in the below average (i.e., lower levels of social skills) or above average (i.e., more symptomatic in problem behaviors or autism spectrum) range relative to the normative sample; for other subscales (i.e., Communication, Empathy, Self-Control, Bullying, and Internalizing), participants’ score distribution aligned more closely to that of the normative sample. SSiS composite scores correlated in the expected directions with standardized measures of autism characteristics, executive function, and expressive language.DiscussionThis study provides some of the first evidence validating the use of the SSiS in youth with DS, filling a gap in standardized measures of social functioning in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Moore Channell
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Marie Moore Channell,
| | - Laura J. Mattie
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Emily K. Schworer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Deborah J. Fidler
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Anna J. Esbensen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Univeristy of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Channell MM, Loveall SJ, Burke MM. Exploring Caregiver Perceptions of Post-High School Employment Experiences Among Young Adults With Down Syndrome. INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 61:158-171. [PMID: 36996280 DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-61.2.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study explored employment experiences and perceived satisfaction of young adults with Down syndrome (DS) who recently exited high school, as reported by their caregivers (n = 101). We analyzed caregivers' open-ended responses about their young adults' type of employment (n = 52 were employed) and identified themes associated with reported satisfaction (for both employed and unemployed). Natural supports were key to caregiver satisfaction; few opportunities for paid, community-based employment and long waiting lists for formal services were related to caregiver dissatisfaction. Job fit (e.g., hours, responsibilities, location), socialization opportunities, and independence were related to caregiver and perceived young adult (dis)satisfaction. These findings highlight unmet service needs, including assistance with finding a job that is the right fit for the individual with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meghan M Burke
- Meghan M. Burke, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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