A new book to help children with Down Syndrome develop lifelong motor skills

May 3 2004

A new book providing practical suggestions on how parents and professionals can help children with Down Syndrome (DS) develop lifelong motor skills will be published later this month.

Motor Development for Individuals with Down Syndrome: Play, Move and Grow, is researched and written by UVic neuroscientist Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and Dr. Anne Jobling of the University of Queensland. The book also reviews current literature in the field of motor development and provides information on various factors that can influence it.

“Our hope is to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing practical intervention strategies that we hope will help maximize the potential of individuals with DS,” says Virji-Babul.

By taking a task-oriented approach to movement rather than focusing on individual motor skills, Virji-Babul and Jobling hope to change how professionals evaluate individuals with DS.

The researchers also consider aspects such as health and fitness and how community-based programs can help enhance motor development and physical activity.

Media contacts:
Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul (Psychology) at (250) 721-6849 or [email protected]
Patty Pitts (UVic Communications) at (250) 721-7656 or [email protected]