Profiles of visual perceptual functions in Down syndrome

• We examined visual perceptual functions in Down syndrome (DS).
• DS had deficits in general and specific visual perceptual functions.
• Visuo-spatial ability seems not to be the relative strength of the cognitive phenotypes in DS compared to other unspecified ID.

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the visual perceptual functions measured by the Test of Visual Perceptual Skill-Third Edition (TVPS-3) in Down syndrome (DS). Seventy individuals with DS, seventy with typical development (TD), and forty mental-age-matched participants with intellectual disabilities (ID) were recruited for the assessment session. Significant between-group differences in TVPS-3 were observed between either DS or ID and TD groups. There was no significant difference on TVPS-3 between DS and ID groups. Implications for clinical professionals and recommendations for further research are discussed.