Occupational Therapy Interventions in Down Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Importance Individuals with Down syndrome experience multiple conditions requiring occupational therapy intervention, but no review papers have explored the research literature to support such intervention. Objective To map the literature on occupational therapy interventions for individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan and identify gaps in the evidence base for future research and education that require attention. Data Sources Six databases were searched: OTSeeker, PubMed, PsychINFO, PEDro, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for studies published on or before June 19, 2025. Study Selection and Data Collection This review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Included studies had participants with Down syndrome, were published in English, contained an OT intervention, and were peer-reviewed. Excluded studies lacked participants with Down syndrome, were not in English, did not have an OT intervention, or were not peer-reviewed. Findings We retrieved 421 records and included 21 articles in this review. While most studies utilized rigorous designs (n = 16), none were designated “High Quality” due to multiple methodological flaws, such as failure to assess treatment fidelity or lack of random assignment to condition. Conclusions and Relevance This review suggests a need for studies with more methodological rigor, that address adults with Down syndrome, and that detail a greater variety of interventions. Practitioners and scholars should emphasize data-driven decision making, implementation of practice guidelines for Down syndrome, and the promotion of continuing education opportunities on Down syndrome.