Participation promotes the development of skills, competences, peer interaction and greater independence, thus contributing to the growth and development of children and young people. Despite the numerous benefits related to participation, children and young people with Down Syndrome participate less when compared to their typically developing peers. So far, the literature does not have comprehensive systematic reviews that investigate the barriers and facilitators for the participation of individuals with Down Syndrome.

This paper aims to identify barriers and facilitators for the participation of children, adolescents, and young adults with Down Syndrome.

A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred reporting items of Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis Guide – PRISMA and with protocol registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews - PROSPERO (number: CRD42022302556). A deeply literature review using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsyINFO , and Scielo electronic databases , with no date restriction. Original studies, published in peer-reviewed journals, written in any language, were included if they examined perceived barriers and or drivers of to participation by children, adolescents, and young adults with Down Syndrome. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by McMaster Critical Review Forms for qualitative and quantitative studies.

Ten studies, eight qualitative and two quantitative, involving 206 participants, were included in the review. Of these, seven studies scored above 70% on the McMaster Scale, indicating good methodological quality. The physical characteristics of individuals with Down Syndrome (eg, hypotonia) were identified personal barriers to participation. Social barriers frequently addressed in studies were associated with family attitudes, social interaction, and financial resources. The lack of professionals and specialized activities were the most commonly reported political barriers, while the lack of accessibility and transportation were identified as environmental barriers. Personal enablers for participation in Down Syndrome were pleasure, individual skills, motivation, and fun. Factors such as the attitude of families, friends and social interaction appeared as social facilitators for participation. The availability of specialized professionals to carry out activities, as well as specific activities for people with Down Syndrome, were considered important political drivers of. None of the studies reported environmental facilitators.

There are personal, social, political, and environmental barriers and facilitators that determine participation in Down Syndrome.

The findings of this review show that the factors for children, adolescents and Young people with Down Syndrome to have lived participation are diverse and complex. The results obtained in this study make the professionals know and understand these factors in order to minimize the barriers and enhance the drivers of more effectively, improving their clinical practice and helping to raise awareness about the impacts of these aspects on the lives of people with disabilities.