From the very early stages of childhood, children with Down syndrome present considerable individual variation in developmental abilities. Family factors play a significant role in this variation because they might impede or facilitate individual developmental progress. This article reviews important family factors associated with early development of infants and children with Down syndrome. The quality of parent-child interactions, the family environment, parental attitudes, family stress and coping, and formal and informal support are discussed in connection with behavioral and developmental child outcomes. Parents and professionals should know about these factors and understand how and when they affect development.
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