Strategies and Considerations for Teaching an Adolescent with down Syndrome and Type I Diabetes to Self-Administer Insulin

Abstract

In this study, a system of least prompts, partial participation, and parental involvement were used to teach an adolescent with Down Syndrome, moderate mental retardation, and Type I diabetes to self-administer an injection of insulin as part of an overall plan to increase self-determination and independence. The results indicated that (a) both tasks were completed successfully with partial participation, and (b) self-confidence, as measured through a questionnaire, was enhanced as a result of her success with the tasks.