Everyday Executive Functioning Profiles in Adults with Down Syndrome.

Miezah et al. (2026) asked caregivers to fill out the BRIEF-A about adults with Down syndrome. The form asks how often the adult loses items, forgets steps, or gets stuck on one idea.

The team then compared these ratings to typical adult scores. They wanted a clear picture of everyday executive skills like planning, working memory, and self-monitoring.

Everyday executive skills were much weaker in adults with Down syndrome. Scores for working memory, planning, and shifting tasks were all below average.

There was wide spread. Some adults scored near the typical range, others far below. This scatter means you cannot assume one profile fits all.

Kaufman et al. (2010) saw the same broad deficits in teens with Down syndrome. Daniel’s adult data line up with that teen snapshot, showing the gap lasts across the lifespan.

Smit et al. (2019) and Waldron et al. (2023) proved the BRIEF tools are reliable in children and youth with Down syndrome. Daniel’s use of the adult form simply extends those trusted tools upward.

Soltani et al. (2025) took the next step. They showed that weak working memory in youth predicts later behavior problems. Daniel’s profile gives you the adult baseline to compare against.

Screen everyday executive skills before you write any support plan. Ask caregivers to complete the BRIEF-A during intake. Use the profile to pick targets: simplify instructions if working memory is low, add visual schedules if shifting is hard, teach checklists if planning is weak. Re-check every six months to catch change.