A behavior analytic approach to exploratory motor behavior: How can caregivers teach em behavior to infants with down syndrome?

摘要

Impairment in exploratory motor (EM) behavior is part of the Down syndrome behavioral phenotype. Exploratory motor behavior may be a pivotal skill for early intervention with infants with Down syndrome. Exploratory motor impairments are often attributed to general delays in motor development in infants with Down syndrome. A behavior analytic perspective suggests a model that integrates environmental and biological variables in explaining EM development. We propose that Down syndrome is a setting event that changes the value of consequences associated with EM behavior and the likelihood that an infant with Down syndrome will engage in EM behavior. On the basis of this approach, we then outline intervention strategies that caregivers can use to improve EM behavior in infants with Down syndrome.