Res Dev Disabil [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Advantages and disadvantages of noise-cancelling headphones for autistic students in educational settings.
Herrebrøden M, Marentakis G, Dechsling A … +3 more , Esposito G, Dimitriou D, Nordahl-Hansen A
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 42068888 · Publisher ↗
This perspective article explores the various advantages and disadvantages of using noise-cancelling headphones in educational settings for autistic students with auditory sensory differences. Although noise-cancelling h...
This perspective article explores the various advantages and disadvantages of using noise-cancelling headphones in educational settings for autistic students with auditory sensory differences. Although noise-cancelling headphones can have several advantages for autistic students in educational settings, it is important that use of such assistive technological tools should not be implemented without a plan and tailoring at an individual level.
Unpacking the daily dynamics of parenting strain: A 15-day diary study of caregiving role overload, depressive symptoms, and parental burnout among parents of autistic children.
Wang L, Hua M, Xie Q … +3 more , Yang G, Yu Y, Chen Y
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 42066383 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To explore the day-to-day dynamics between daily caregiving role overload and daily depressive symptoms among parents of autistic children, and to examine gender differences in these variables' average levels...
OBJECTIVES: To explore the day-to-day dynamics between daily caregiving role overload and daily depressive symptoms among parents of autistic children, and to examine gender differences in these variables' average levels and day-to-day dynamics, as well as whether such differences help explain parental burnout. METHODS: We recruited parents of autistic children from autism intervention centers using convenience sampling (N = 210; 81.9% mothers) in mainland China. Parents completed a brief online diary survey each evening across 15 weekdays over three consecutive weeks to assess daily depressive symptoms and daily caregiving role overload. After the diary period, parents completed a post-diary questionnaire assessing parental burnout. Data were analyzed using dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM). RESULTS: (1) At the within-person level, daily caregiving role overload and daily depressive symptoms showed reciprocal cross-day associations, forming a day-to-day feedback loop. (2) At the between-person level, mothers reported higher person-mean depressive symptoms than fathers, which in turn predicted higher parental burnout. (3) At the between-person level, mothers exhibited stronger day-to-day carryover of depressive symptoms than fathers, which in turn predicted higher parental burnout. CONCLUSIONS: The findings clarify processes through which parenting-related stressors contribute to day-to-day resource depletion and suggest gender-specific pathways and dynamic patterns in the development of parental burnout among mothers and fathers. These results have important implications for promoting parents' mental health in families with high caregiving demands by informing early, sustained, and parent-tailored daily support to prevent resource depletion and reduce parental burnout.
Multimethod development and investigation of psychometric properties of a new scale of physicians' self-efficacy in caring for adults with intellectual disability.
Bacherini A, Anselmi P, Havercamp SM … +1 more , Balboni G
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 42044585 · Publisher ↗
Low physician confidence in caring for adults with intellectual disability (ID) can compromise care quality and health outcomes and may exacerbate healthcare barriers for this population. Although training interventions...
Low physician confidence in caring for adults with intellectual disability (ID) can compromise care quality and health outcomes and may exacerbate healthcare barriers for this population. Although training interventions targeting self-efficacy can improve providers' practice, an instrument with evidence of validity specifically designed to assess physicians' self-efficacy in caring for adults with ID is not yet available. This paper describes the development of the SEC-ID and examines its psychometric properties as a brief measure of physicians' self-efficacy. In Step 1, the SEC-ID was drafted based on a literature review and revised by experts, who judged it to be clear and comprehensive, resulting in a 15-item scale with five-point Likert responses. In Step 2, the SEC-ID was administered to 279 U.S. physicians and its psychometric properties were examined using methods from Classical Test Theory and Rasch Measurement Theory. Results provided evidence of construct validity, supporting a largely unidimensional, reliable score with the greatest measurement precision at lower levels of self-efficacy. Items were discriminant, non-redundant, and unambiguous; their ordering along the latent continuum was stable and reproducible, and the response categories functioned as intended. Measurement invariance was supported across gender, physician status (attending vs. resident), prior ID-related training, and contact with individuals with ID outside the workplace. Higher SEC-ID scores were positively associated with prior ID-related training and with physicians' willingness and comfort in interacting with individuals with ID. Overall, these properties distinguish the SEC-ID from existing measures and support its use as a brief tool for research and training evaluation.
The effect of video game-based exercises on selective motor control, balance, fear of falling, and functional capacity in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial.
Yavaş S, Tezcan S
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 May · PMID 41990569 · Publisher ↗
AIM: This single blind randomized controlled parallel-group study aimed to investigate the effects of video game-based exercises (VGBE) on selective motor control, balance, fear of falling and functional capacity in indi...
AIM: This single blind randomized controlled parallel-group study aimed to investigate the effects of video game-based exercises (VGBE) on selective motor control, balance, fear of falling and functional capacity in individuals with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP). METHODS: Twenty-six individuals with spastic CP with a mean age of 12 ± 3.92 randomized into two groups: the intervention group (n = 13) and the control group (n = 13). In both groups upper and lower extremity selective motor control, balance, fear of falling and functional capacity were evaluated using the Selective Control of the Upper Extremity Scale (SCUES), Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Pediatric Fear of Falling Questionnaire (Ped-FOF), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), respectively. Satisfaction was evaluated using the Satisfaction Questionnaire. The intervention group received 30 min of conventional physiotherapy and 30 min of VGBE, the control group received 60 min of conventional physiotherapy, both performed 2 days a week, for 10 weeks. RESULTS: In intergroup analyses no statistically significant difference was found between the pre-intervention and post-intervention values (p > 0.05). In intragroup analyses, SCUES and SCALE scores increased in both groups (intervention: SCUES p = 0.011; SCALE p = 0.002; control: SCUES p = 0.012; SCALE p = 0.006). The increase in PBS scores was statistically significant only in the intervention group (p = 0.005). Functional capacity increased statistically significantly in both groups (intervention p = 0.001; control p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: VGBE intervention did not provide additional benefits compared to conventional physiotherapy. However, it may improve the selective control, balance and functional capacity of individuals with CP by increasing the individual's motivation to participate in physiotherapy sessions.
"Maybe rape is illegal?" how adolescents with intellectual disabilities experience a sexual violence prevention intervention.
Gjertsson S, Sarkadi A, Fäldt A
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 May · PMID 41985269 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more vulnerable to sexual violence than their neurotypical peers. The literature argues that the group's lack of knowledge, communication difficulties, an...
INTRODUCTION: Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more vulnerable to sexual violence than their neurotypical peers. The literature argues that the group's lack of knowledge, communication difficulties, and challenges in understanding social situations contribute to this vulnerability. METHODS: In this study, 9 males and 5 females (ages 16-20) with ID were interviewed about their experiences of a sexual violence prevention intervention at their special needs high school in Sweden. The aim was to explore their perceptions of the intervention and whether they gained knowledge about sex, consent, reciprocity, boundaries, and sexual violence in relationships. RESULTS: The analysis generated four themes: (a) Learned some basics, (b) Awkwardness and triggered memories, (c) Importance of an empathic intervention leader and support structures, (d) High risk of sexual offence and/or victimisation. Participants learned to identify feelings, recognize positive and negative relationship behaviours, and understand extreme sexual violence. However, they found complex concepts like consent and identifying less extreme sexual violence challenging. Many felt embarrassed by explicit terms when discussing sex. They emphasized the need for a safe intervention environment, with a trusted leader and strong support structures in schools to facilitate open communication and emotional processing. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that adapted sexual education is crucial to strengthen adolescents with ID. The intervention achieved increased understanding and knowledge in some areas. However, adolescents with ID seem to need more intense and specific intervention components to promote confidence about giving and getting consent, saying no, and understanding other people's feelings in a sexual situation.
Editorial: Exploring factors to optimise quality of life in developmental disabilities in Arab countries.
Dimitriou D, Madhesh A
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 May · PMID 41982031 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
"It turned out that no one would want such a sick child with a diagnosis and defects." Childhood in the memories of persons with intellectual disabilities.
Parchomiuk M, Ćwirynkało K
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 May · PMID 41955930 · Publisher ↗
Exploring the childhood memories as described by individuals with intellectual disabilities, although rarely undertaken, seems to be valuable for improving their social situation and transforming society's perception of...
Exploring the childhood memories as described by individuals with intellectual disabilities, although rarely undertaken, seems to be valuable for improving their social situation and transforming society's perception of disability. This paper describes an inclusive study that was conducted in Poland with an active involvement of co-researchers with intellectual disabilities. We aimed to explore the childhood experiences of their peers with intellectual disabilities and the significance of those experiences for later life. Thirty-three adults with intellectual disabilities participated in individual semi-structured interviews. The findings of the reflexive thematic analysis revealed how personal narratives were shaped by adverse familial events, educational institutionalization, and social environments. While participants often reported difficult experiences such as neglect, violence, and segregation, they also identified moments of resilience and community integration that positively influenced their development. The findings emphasize the need to consider broader socio-cultural and systemic contexts when analyzing life stories, as these significantly shape both individual agency and identity.
Everyday positioning experience in typically developing infants and infants with or at risk for cerebral palsy.
Kretch KS
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 May · PMID 41936142 · Full text
Infant positioning throughout everyday routines impacts physical growth, motor skill advancement, and access to learning opportunities supporting cognitive, social, and communicative development. However, we know little...
Infant positioning throughout everyday routines impacts physical growth, motor skill advancement, and access to learning opportunities supporting cognitive, social, and communicative development. However, we know little about everyday positioning experiences in infants with or at risk for developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy (CP) and how they differ from those of their typically developing peers. This study used Ecological Momentary Assessment to estimate time spent in different categories of posture (supine, prone, sitting, standing, and suspended) and support (self-support, adult support, and device support) throughout daily life in infants with or at risk for CP and age-matched infants with typical development. Twenty-five infants at risk (13 with confirmed CP) and 52 typically developing infants were tested at 6, 9, and/or 12 months of age (N = 101 sessions total). At each session, caregivers responded to text message prompts 10 times per day for 8 days and reported their infant's current positioning. Time supine, prone, suspended, and with adult support decreased with age, and time sitting, standing, and with self-support increased with age. Infants with or at risk for CP were more likely to be supine, prone, and supported by an adult, and were less likely to be sitting and standing, than infants with typical development; group differences in supine and standing time were especially dramatic. Notably, group differences persisted when controlling for achievement of relevant motor milestones. These results suggest considerable differences in everyday experiences in infants with or at risk for CP compared to their peers with typical development.
Effects of Baduanjin on response inhibition in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial.
Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Li J … +6 more , Chang X, Liang M, Liu K, Sun K, Xu Y, Yang S
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 May · PMID 41936141 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week Baduanjin intervention on response inhibition and electrophysiological activity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: I...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week Baduanjin intervention on response inhibition and electrophysiological activity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), 90 children with ADHD were randomly assigned to a Baduanjin, regular physical activity, or waitlist control group for 12 weeks. Behavioral performance and event-related potentials (ERP) during a Go/No-Go task were measured pre- and post-intervention. Parents completed the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV scale (SNAP-IV) at both time points. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, SNAP-IV scores decreased in the Baduanjin and regular physical activity groups, with no significant change in the control group. In the Go/No-Go task, the Baduanjin group showed a reduction in No-Go error rates, the regular physical activity group showed no change, and the control group showed a trend toward increased errors. Neurophysiologically, only the N2/P3 components showed larger amplitudes in the No-Go condition compared to Go, with no other significant differences observed. CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence suggests that Baduanjin has the potential to improve response inhibition in children with ADHD; however, evidence for improvements at the neural level requires further investigation.
Effects of sensory integration therapy in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Park SH, Kim EY
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 May · PMID 41935430 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Sensory integration therapy (SIT) has been widely applied to address difficulties in daily performance resulting from inefficient processing of sensory information. AIMS: This systematic review and meta-analy...
BACKGROUND: Sensory integration therapy (SIT) has been widely applied to address difficulties in daily performance resulting from inefficient processing of sensory information. AIMS: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of SIT in children based on evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Twenty-three RCTs out of 1406 articles were included. Meta-analyses were performed for proximal outcomes (motor skills, balance, visual construction, and sensory processing) and distal outcomes (daily functioning and individualized goals). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: SIT produced significant improvements in motor skills (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.03-0.89). Furthermore, SIT enhanced daily functioning (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.16-1.08) and individualized goals (SMD = 1.71, 95% CI = 0.80-2.62). Balance, visual construction, and sensory processing did not demonstrate statistically significant effects. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: SIT is an effective intervention for improving motor functions and for supporting better performance and participation in everyday occupations among children.
Effects of exercise on social dysfunction in children and adolescents with ADHD: A systematic review and network, dose-response meta-analyses.
Gao X, Zhang M, He C … +7 more , Fan Z, Pan K, Huang H, Jin S, Wei Y, Xu W, Quan M
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 May · PMID 41932092 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with ADHD frequently face social dysfunction hindering neurodevelopment. While exercise shows promise, the relative efficacy of specific modalities and precise dose-response relationships remain unde...
BACKGROUND: Children with ADHD frequently face social dysfunction hindering neurodevelopment. While exercise shows promise, the relative efficacy of specific modalities and precise dose-response relationships remain undefined. This study compares exercise modalities to identify the optimal dose for enhancing social functioning. METHODS: Seven databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2025 for randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions targeting social outcomes in children with ADHD. Exercise interventions were categorized by modality (closed-skill exercise, open-skill exercise, multicomponent exercise and mind-body therapy). Doses were harmonized to MET-min/week. Bayesian network meta-analysis (Hedges' g) synthesized relative efficacy, while a 4-knot natural-spline model identified the optimal dose-response range. RESULTS: Thirteen trials including 703 participants aged 6-13 years were eligible. Closed-skill exercise produced the largest improvements in social functioning (Hedges' g = -0.96, 95% CrI: -1.18 to -0.75). Multicomponent exercise (Hedges' g = -0.74, 95% CrI: -1.13 to -0.34) and mind-body therapy (Hedges' g = -0.53, 95% CrI: -0.79 to -0.28) showed moderate, clinically meaningful effects, whereas open-skill exercise had small effects (Hedges' g = -0.16, 95% CrI: -0.36 to -0.04). Dose-response analysis indicated an inverted U-shaped relationship, with a minimum effective dose of 660 MET-min/week and an optimal dose of 1290 MET-min/week. Both age and gender had a significant impact on the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Closed-skill and multicomponent exercise appear most effective for improving social functioning in children with ADHD, with benefits maximised at around 1290 MET-min/week.
Virtual reality interventions for physical activity and stress reduction in neurodevelopmental disorder family contexts: A scoping review (2015-2025).
Kubota K, Tsuda S, Sugimura A … +1 more , Fujihara S
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41921285 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and their families face barriers to physical activity and often accumulate excessive sedentary time. Virtual reality (VR) offers a promising modality to promo...
BACKGROUND: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and their families face barriers to physical activity and often accumulate excessive sedentary time. Virtual reality (VR) offers a promising modality to promote active engagement. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review mapped studies using immersive VR nature simulations for stress reduction in NDD family contexts (Tier 1) and recreation-focused VR supporting physical activity (Tier 2). METHODS: Guided by the JBI Manual and PRISMA-ScR, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and APA PsycInfo (2015-2025). Searches were executed Oct 30-Nov 1, 2025. Strategies combined VR with nature/outdoor, pediatric/caregiver, and NDD terms. Two reviewers screened and charted data. RESULTS: Of 101 records identified, 32 duplicates were removed and 69 records were screened; 2 studies met inclusion criteria. A caregiver pilot (Tier 1) using a single 15-minute VR nature session showed immediate mood improvements and reduced perceived stress at days 3 and 7, with no serious adverse events. A school-based feasibility study (Tier 2) demonstrated that supervised VR exergaming can achieve moderate-intensity exercise. CONCLUSIONS: VR-enabled interventions appear feasible for caregiver stress reduction and promoting physical activity in children with disabilities. Evidence remains limited; comparative trials examining VR's role in active lifestyle promotion are needed. IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners can integrate VR into structured service delivery. Research should examine dose-response relationships, physiological endpoints, and equity-oriented implementation to advance lifestyle interventions for NDD populations.
Needs of professionals working with individuals with FASD in Spain.
Gómez-Santabrígida D, Montserrat C, Garcia-Molsosa M … +2 more , Segura-García L, Tudela-Saldaña N
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41895080 · Publisher ↗
Prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the main preventable causes of developmental disorders and health anomalies in children. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term that encompasses a range of physica...
Prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the main preventable causes of developmental disorders and health anomalies in children. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term that encompasses a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioural impairments. Although this condition is gradually attracting greater attention among professionals, knowledge and awareness of its real impact - and of how to intervene effectively - remains limited. This lack of understanding shapes the work of professionals when they must support individuals affected by FASD. The aim of this study is to explore the knowledge that professionals working in Catalonia have about FASD, as well as the difficulties they perceive in carrying out their work with this population. Using an ad hoc questionnaire, responses were obtained from 322 professionals across different sectors. The results indicate limited training among professionals regarding FASD and a widespread sense that there are insufficient services and resources to carry out their work properly. The findings also highlight the need for stronger multidisciplinary coordination. Having previously worked with a person with FASD, and having broader prior professional experience, are both associated with more positive subjective perceptions of professionals' ability to work with this population. Greater training across sectors is required to address the broader challenges associated with FASD, together with the development of services and programmes for prevention, detection, and intervention.
"I've got to fix this": Mothers' challenges when experiencing feeding difficulty in their autistic children during infancy.
Campbell AA, Barroso J, Weitlauf A … +3 more , Karp SM, Darcy-Mahoney A, Mogos M
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41880781 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Mothers of infants often experience heightened stress while establishing feeding habits and routines. When those routines are complicated by feeding challenges later recognized as associated with autism, the emo...
PURPOSE: Mothers of infants often experience heightened stress while establishing feeding habits and routines. When those routines are complicated by feeding challenges later recognized as associated with autism, the emotional and caregiving strain can be substantial. While the challenges faced by mothers of older autistic children with feeding difficulties are well documented, less is known about mothers' experiences of feeding challenges that occurred during their child's first year of life, prior to autism diagnosis. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, this study explored mothers' recollections of managing feeding difficulties in infants later diagnosed with autism, to identify areas where additional support may be needed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 mothers of autistic children aged 2-12 years who reported feeding difficulties during the first year of life. RESULTS: Reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes: Challenges of Feeding, Emotional Toll of Feeding, and Pressure to Feed the Infant. Factors that contributed to mothers' challenges included time, physical contributors, emotional causes, lack of feeding support, the need to feed their infant effectively, and an absence of autism diagnosis at birth. CONCLUSION: There is a critical need to identify feeding difficulties early and provide mothers with emotional, informational, and practical support to reduce the burden of managing these feeding challenges. Primary care, mental health care, community-based services, and lactation support all play a critical role in supporting mothers and their autistic children who experience feeding difficulty during infancy.
"A positive experience over a negative one": Stress, coping, and the experiences of adult siblings of intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals.
Abney MC, Patney R, Boles JC
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41875612 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Millions of children worldwide are living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with the many family members who love and care for them also impacted by their unique strengths, challenges, and nee...
BACKGROUND: Millions of children worldwide are living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with the many family members who love and care for them also impacted by their unique strengths, challenges, and needs. However, little is known about this experience from the vantage point of siblings. AIM: To explore the stress and coping experiences of adult siblings of intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals, while identifying opportunities for enhancing family-centered care. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This explanatory, sequential mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases: first, electronic administration of the Coping Resources Inventory, the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory, and the Perceived Stress Scale; and second, completion of an optional 1-hour semi-structured interview. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: 27 adult siblings of intellectually and/or developmentally disabled people completed Phase 1 data collection, and 13 participants additionally completed Phase 2. Participants most frequently reported use of Self-Blame, Instrumental Support, and Acceptance coping styles, and, overall, emotional and social coping resource types were most frequently endorsed. Interview responses produced four themes: 1) caretaking across the lifespan, 2) negotiating normalcy in and outside the household, 3) parental transparency about sibling diagnosis and 4) reframing the sibling experience. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the results of this study suggest that providers, clinicians, and caregivers can better support siblings of intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals by recognizing their unique stressors and experiences, helping them to negotiate a sense of normalcy, and meeting their coping preferences and needs.
Effect of diet intervention on symptoms in autism spectrum disorder: An umbrella review.
Shi J, Cheng Y, Wei Y … +2 more , Shi Y, Jiang Z
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41865680 · Publisher ↗
The study systematically evaluated the efficacy of dietary interventions in improving clinical symptoms of ASD through umbrella review methodology. A total of 15 meta-analyses were included, covering 118 clinical studies...
The study systematically evaluated the efficacy of dietary interventions in improving clinical symptoms of ASD through umbrella review methodology. A total of 15 meta-analyses were included, covering 118 clinical studies with a total of 5033 ASD patients, with an age range of 1.5-45 years for individuals with ASD. Primary interventions included gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets, probiotics, Vitamin D, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We found that dietary interventions significantly improved overall symptoms (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI [-0.33, -0.18]), communication (SMD = -0.16, 95% CI [-0.30, -0.01]), social interaction (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI [-0.33, -0.02]), and hyperactivity (SMD = -0.20, 95% CI [-0.39, -0.02]). Vitamin D showed the most significant effect on overall symptoms of ASD (SMD = -0.45). However, dietary intervention did not show significant improvement in four outcomes: stereotypical behaviour, irritability, lethargy, and inappropriate speech. Future large-scale multicentre RCTs are needed to explore the neurobiological mechanisms and safety of dietary intervention, with a focus on monitoring changes in objective indicators such as gut microbiota and blood biochemical markers.
Experiences of health professionals conducting cancer screening of individuals with intellectual disabilities: A phenomenological study.
Aydın M, Aydın R, Avci̇ İA
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41861423 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Cancer, with its increasing incidence and mortality rates, remains one of today's top global public health concerns. People with intellectual disabilities, a vulnerable population group, are at increased risk...
BACKGROUND: Cancer, with its increasing incidence and mortality rates, remains one of today's top global public health concerns. People with intellectual disabilities, a vulnerable population group, are at increased risk of developing cancer due to their high prevalence of behavioral risk factors. This study aims to examine the experiences of health professionals who perform cancer screening on individuals with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: The research is a phenomenological study. Data were collected from 13 healthcare professionals working in Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Centers between May and August 2025. A semi-structured interview form based on the literature was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants' experiences were examined under four themes and eleven subthemes: the meaning of caring for an individual with intellectual disabilities, difficulties experienced, coping with difficulties, and encouragement for cancer screening. CONCLUSION: It has been determined that healthcare professionals experience professional satisfaction when providing care to individuals with intellectual disabilities, but at the same time, they face challenges during this process. Healthcare professionals and managers working in screening units should collaborate to restructure services aimed at increasing the participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities in cancer screening programmes.
Corrigendum to "A pilot qualitative study of narrative medicine: Adapting parallel chart into neurodevelopmental disorders, a tool attempting to enhance engagement" [Research in Developmental Disabilities 168 (2026) 105195].
Pradelli L, Summer E, Ciardi G … +4 more , Parisi RA, Suter N, Rossetti M, Bellini G
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41832065 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
An effectiveness-implementation trial of home-based early hand therapy for young children with cerebral palsy.
Hilderley A, O'Grady K, Herrero M … +8 more , Heptonstall E, Reist-Asencio S, Pynn R, Tao C, Tao S, Diot C, Andersen J, Kirton A
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41825274 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Early hand therapy is an effective approach for improving hand function in young children with cerebral palsy (CP), yet clinical implementation is limited. This trial assessed implementation and effectiveness...
BACKGROUND: Early hand therapy is an effective approach for improving hand function in young children with cerebral palsy (CP), yet clinical implementation is limited. This trial assessed implementation and effectiveness of a high dose early hand therapy. METHODS: A home-based, caregiver-delivered intervention of 18-weeks with daily 30-minute practice (60 h total) of constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual therapy. A coaching approach was used to support caregivers, with weekly coaching sessions provided in-person or virtually. Implementation strategies included training, educational materials, and dedicated clinician time. The primary effectiveness outcome was achievement of individualized hand function goals, assessed via the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) pre/post/8-weeks post-intervention. The primary implementation outcome was satisfaction assessed by caregivers and clinicians post-intervention. A repeated measures ANOVA assessed change in COPM scores, with Bonferroni correction of post hoc pairwise comparisons (paired t-tests). Mean values and standard deviations (SD) were calculated for satisfaction scores. RESULTS: Eighteen participants completed the protocol, aged 4-22 months (mean 13, SD 6 months). COPM scores significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention (p < 0.001) and pre- to 8-weeks post-intervention (p < 0.001). Mean satisfaction scores indicated a large to very large extent of satisfaction for caregivers (4.9/5.0, SD 0.3) and for clinicians (4.5/5.0, SD 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a caregiver-delivered home-based early hand therapy was highly satisfactory and effective for achievement of individualized hand function goals. Resources are available to support implementation spread.
Validating Kohler's taxonomy of transition programming 2.0 for youth students with disabilities in the Saudi Arabian context.
Alqahtani RF, Almalky HA
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Apr · PMID 41795507 · Publisher ↗
Improving post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities requires coordinated, evidence-based transition programming grounded in culturally valid measurement frameworks. This study culturally adapted and psychometrical...
Improving post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities requires coordinated, evidence-based transition programming grounded in culturally valid measurement frameworks. This study culturally adapted and psychometrically validated the Saudi Arabic version of the Taxonomy for Transition Programming 2.0 (KTTP 2.0) for application in Saudi special education settings. Employing a multi-phase cross-cultural adaptation design, the instrument underwent forward-back translation, expert content validation (11 experts), and cognitive interviews with five teachers, resulting in refinement from 163 to 132 items. The final version was administered to 172 special education teachers delivering transition services to students with disabilities. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using theory-driven, domain-representative parcels. Models were estimated in R (lavaan) with robust maximum likelihood (MLR) and full-information maximum likelihood to manage the small proportion of missing data. A correlated five-factor first-order model demonstrated good fit, χ²(67) = 117.87, CFI = .969, TLI = .958, RMSEA = .085, SRMR = .032, with strong standardized parcel loadings (λ =.77-.95). The second-order model also demonstrated good fit, χ²(72) = 128.18, CFI = .966, TLI = .956, RMSEA = .087, SRMR = .040, with robust higher-order loadings (λ =.887-.988). Reliability and convergent validity were supported (ω =.837-.948; CR =.843-.951; AVE =.634-.859), whereas discriminant validity was mixed, aligning with a coherent higher-order structure and substantial inter-domain covariance. Overall, the findings support the Arabic KTTP 2.0 as a reliable, structurally sound framework for transition program evaluation and improvement planning in Saudi Arabia.
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