NEURODEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS FOR THE PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC FOLLOW-UP OF CHILDREN AGED 0 TO 3 YEARS WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN SECONDARY HEALTH CARE: A SCOPING REVIEW

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, associated with neurodevelopmental alterations that compromise functionality. Early and continuous stimulation promotes developmental progress closer to typical patterns, especially in the motor domain, although neuroanatomical changes tend to maintain more persistent deficits, such as in cognition. Monitoring neurodevelopment allows physiotherapists to understand functional impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions, which are essential for planning physiotherapeutic interventions and referring patients to other professionals. The adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can positively contribute to physiotherapy services, with the mapping of available scientific evidence being the first methodological step in their development. Aims: This undergraduate thesis aimed to map standardized neurodevelopmental assessment tools that can be used for the physiotherapeutic follow-up of children aged 0 to 3 years with Down syndrome in secondary health care, in order to support the future development of an assessment routine adapted to the reality of the IFRJ/Campus Realengo School Clinic. Methodology: A scoping review was conducted on the topic "standardized neurodevelopmental assessment tools that can be used for the physiotherapeutic follow-up of children with DS aged 0 to 3 years in secondary health care," using a protocol based on PRISMA-ScR and following these steps: formulation of the hypothesis or research question containing the PCC mnemonic elements (Population, Concept, and Context); and development of a search strategy guided by the five-step model (extraction, conversion, combination, use, and evaluation/refinement).