Modified Ride-on Car for Mobility and Socialization

In Brief Purpose: Before the onset of walking, children with Down syndrome experience limited mobility yet are never considered candidates for traditional powered mobility devices. The purpose of this single-case study is to quantify the feasibility and family perceptions of including modified ride-on car use as an option for increasing daily mobility, socialization, and fun for a child with Down syndrome. Methods: A 13-month-old child, Natalie, and her family were video recorded during the 28-week study using her ride-on car in their home and community. Results: Natalie demonstrated and her family reported increased movement, mobility, and socialization over the study period. Conclusions: Ride-on car use appears feasible, fun, and functional to increase daily mobility for pediatric populations working toward independent walking. Modified ride-on cars appear to be feasible, fun, and functional as a temporary intervention to increase daily mobility for children with Down syndrome working toward independent walking.