Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome
(SANDS)

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University of Arizona Down Syndrome Research Group

 Researchers in the Department of Psychology at the University of Arizona are teaming together to develop a research group devoted to understanding the cognitive difficulties faced by individuals with Down syndrome (DS).  The Down Syndrome Research Group (DSRG) is lead by Regents Professor Lynn Nadel and Dr. Jamie Edgin. 

 Professor Nadel is an internationally recognized expert on cognition in DS, with over 20 years experience on this topic.  Dr. Edgin has years of experience working with children with DS and completed her PhD in this area.

 The DSRG has recently initiated a study of learning in adolescents with DS (ages 8-18).  This study is examining children’s use of differing strategies to solve problems, their memory skills, and their skills in motor learning.  The goal is to pinpoint areas of strengths and weakness and to use this information to understand why some children with Down syndrome may excel in their learning when others may have more cognitive difficulties. 

 In addition to this work with adolescents, other studies are on the horizon.  Dr. Almut Hupbach is beginning a study of early language learning in children ages 12 to 18 months in a hope to contribute to our understanding of the aspects of language that may be difficult for children with DS early on in their development.  Also, Jennifer Breslin, an advanced graduate student, is initiating a study on sleep and cognition in DS.  Sleep problems are often reported for children with DS, and this study will be focused on understanding how sleep problems might contribute to difficulties in thinking, memory, and behavior.

 If you would like more information about any of these studies, please visit the group’s website http://dsrg.web.arizona.edu/ or contact them via email or telephone.

Down Syndrome Research Group

Department of Psychology

Lynn Nadel, PhD and Jamie Edgin, PhD

Phone:  520-626-0244

Email: jedgin@email.arizona.edu

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