Regression (Down Syndrome)

Book chapter from McGuire & Chicoine [Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges (2nd Edition), 2021] addressing a phenomenon where teens or young adults with Down syndrome experienced a puzzling decline in abilities. These individuals, usually in their twenties or younger, suddenly lost speech, cognitive, and daily living skills and often had
behavioral or psychological changes. This “regression” has people with Down syndrome experiencing a puzzling decline in abilities and is reported to occur following a period of stable functional skill acquisition in young adolescents or adults as described by their families.