Advancing knowledge of human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Down syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition caused by a triplicated 21st chromosome, often presents with co-occurring developmental conditions such as autism. But diagnosing autism in someone with Down syndrome can be difficult as they have overlapping symptoms.
We want to better understand how autistic children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) differed in their motor skills, sensory features, and daily living skills.
Autistic children show lower physical activity and fundamental motor skills such as running, jumping, or throwing compared to non-autistic children.
“We think this video game-based training could be a unique way to help individuals with ASD who have challenges with their balance address these issues,” says Travers, an investigator at UW–Madison’s Waisman Center and an assistant professor of kinesiology.
At the age of 9, Xavier Hansen already has it figured out. Someday, he is going to be the boss. “He has great aspirations to make things,” says his mom, Gail. “His goals are to own a movie theater. He wants to be in charge. If he wants something, he’ll find a way to get it.”
