Abstract
In this essay, the author has summarized developmental studies on children with the Down syndrome that have been conducted by the psychologist, Yoshiko Niwa. Three books and three academic papers written by Niwa are reviewed. Niwa has repeatedly indicated that many aspects of development in children with the Down syndrome are delayed in comparison to typically developed children. Moreover, she has reported individual differences in the pace of development in children with the Down syndrome. Furthermore, she has provided data showing the importance of educational interventions on the relationship between mothers and children with the Down syndrome. These data suggest that therapists should exemplify developmental trends in such children and continuously provide advice to mothers, in order to maintain the positive development of children. Niwa has also emphasized the importance of empathetic understanding of the mothers by the therapists.
