Res Dev Disabil [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Insufficient sleep among parents of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities: Findings from the 2011-2018 National Health Interview Survey.
Lee J, Datta B, Benevides T
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41762932 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Parents of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) face greater health risks, yet insufficient sleep among this group has been understudied. Prior research has relied on small, cond...
BACKGROUND: Parents of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) face greater health risks, yet insufficient sleep among this group has been understudied. Prior research has relied on small, condition-specific samples. This study examined the prevalence of insufficient sleep among parents of children with and without IDD in a nationally representative sample. METHODS: We analyzed 2011-2018 National Health Interview Survey data, including parents of children with IDD (n = 3378) and without IDD (n = 54,645). Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of insufficient sleep (<6 h vs. ≥6 h), controlling for child and parent-level sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: 40.54 % of parents of children with IDD reported insufficient sleep compared to that of 34.50 % in parents of children without IDD (AOR = 1.20, 95 %CI:1.09-1.33). Parents of children with IDD reporting high income or a college degree were not significantly associated with insufficient sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children with IDD are more likely to experience insufficient sleep than parents of children without IDD, though this association may be weaker among higher-income and college-educated parents. Targeted efforts to improve sleep health among low-income and low-education families may help prevent adverse health outcomes in this population. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: This study offers the first nationally representative estimates of insufficient sleep among parents of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). Findings show that these parents are significantly more likely to experience insufficient sleep compared to parents of children without IDD. Importantly, the association was prominent in adults with lower income and lower educational attainment. These results underscore the need for targeted sleep health interventions to support families of children with IDD, particularly those with fewer socioeconomic resources.
Blurred lines: Investigating functional profiles in autism and ADHD across key developmental domains.
Crisci G, Lievore R, Mammarella IC
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41724026 · Publisher ↗
While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) present distinct symptoms and developmental trajectories, they also share overlapping characteristics across different domains. Thi...
While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) present distinct symptoms and developmental trajectories, they also share overlapping characteristics across different domains. This exploratory study investigated differences between ASD, ADHD and non-diagnosed (ND) peers across theory of mind, pragmatic language, inattention, impulsivity, social skills, and behavioral problems. A data-driven approach was further applied to explore whether distinct functional profiles emerged across these domains and whether such profiles aligned with traditional diagnostic categories. The sample included 204 participants aged 8-16: 51 with ASD, 64 with ADHD, and 89 ND, matched for age, sex, and intelligence quotient. Results highlight that both clinical groups performed worse than ND peers, with no differences between ASD and ADHD. Latent profile analysis identified four distinct profiles: 1 ("Inattentive with pragmatic difficulties"; n = 20), 2 ("Social deficits with behavioral dysregulation"; n = 63), 3 ("Highly impulsive"; n = 24), and 4 ("Minimal impairments"; n = 97). The first three were predominantly composed of autistic and ADHD participants, while the fourth was distinctive of ND. Notably, 50 % of both autistic and ADHD participants were grouped into Profile 2, characterized primarily by parental reports, alongside weaknesses performing tests. Our findings suggest that ASD and ADHD share difficulties across key developmental domains, with functional profiles extending beyond traditional diagnostic boundaries. Given the exploratory nature of the study and the relatively limited sample size, these findings should be considered preliminary and warrant replication in larger and more diverse samples. Despite this, our results support a dimensional view of neurodevelopmental conditions, while highlighting the need to integrate informant reports, psychometric data, and clinical judgment to ensure meaningful interpretations of a child's functional profile.
Understanding the dynamic association between sleep quality and mood in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Sanguino HD, Clark CA, Brunton LK … +5 more , Condliffe EG, Kopala-Sibley DC, Noel ME, Mish SJ, McMorris CA
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41724025 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most prevalent long-term childhood conditions. Children and adolescents with CP are at elevated risk for mental health difficulties, which contribute to reduced quality of li...
BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most prevalent long-term childhood conditions. Children and adolescents with CP are at elevated risk for mental health difficulties, which contribute to reduced quality of life and daily functioning. Sleep difficulties are a well-established risk factor for mental health. Poor sleep quality has been linked to worse mood in youth with and without neurodevelopmental disabilities. However, most studies in youth with CP have focused on average sleep metrics over time, rather than examining intraindividual variability (IIV) using daily assessments, which may reduce retrospective reporting biases. This study examined the dynamic and bidirectional association between sleep quality, sleep duration, and mood in youth with CP. METHODS: Thirty-two youth with CP (aged 11-17 years; 45.5 % girls) were recruited from health and community agencies. Youth completed daily diaries over seven consecutive days. Each day, youth rated their sleep quality, sleep duration, and levels of daily mood (operationalized as positive and negative affect using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale [PANAS]). Multilevel models examined bidirectional associations between sleep quality, sleep duration, and mood, controlling for gender, age, and GMFCS level. RESULTS: At the between-person level, higher previous-day sleep quality was significantly associated with greater next-day positive mood and lower negative mood, and higher negative mood was associated with poorer sleep quality the following night. At the within-person level, increases in sleep quality were associated with higher next-day positive mood only. Sleep duration was not significantly associated with next-day mood at either level. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight both between-person and within-person associations between sleep quality and mood in youth with CP, with bidirectional associations observed at the between-person level and unidirectional associations at the within-person level.
Strengthening family time: Child abilities and parental support as predictors of participation in children with disabilities.
Žic Ralić A, Vrankić Pavon M, Alimović S
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41707556 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Family activities foster emotional bonds, shared values, and the well-being of all members. Children with disabilities are generally less involved in family activities, with greater participation at home than...
BACKGROUND: Family activities foster emotional bonds, shared values, and the well-being of all members. Children with disabilities are generally less involved in family activities, with greater participation at home than in community settings. However, little is known about the predictors of their participation, particularly the roles of independence, challenging behavior, and social-emotional competencies. METHOD: In this study, parents of children with disabilities of primary school age (N = 315) completed surveys on family activities, their own parental behaviors, and their child's social and emotional competencies, independence, and frequency of challenging behaviors. RESULTS: Children's independence and social-emotional competencies, together with parental support, emerged as positive predictors of family activities (family time, mealtime and household tasks, and socializing with others). In contrast, challenging behaviors reduced participation in socializing, while parental permissiveness reduced participation in mealtime and household tasks. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that both child characteristics and parental behaviors can enhance or hinder participation in family activities, providing insights for targeted interventions to improve family life for children with disabilities.
Communicative Development Inventories (CDIs) in etiologically diverse developmental conditions: A systematic review.
Laudańska Z, van der Venne P, Preis H … +10 more , Sachse S, Schaaf CP, Borjon JI, D'Souza H, Holzinger D, Haman E, Mani N, Poustka L, Zhang D, Marschik PB
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41707555 · Full text
The MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDIs) are widely used parent-report tools for assessing early language development, including gesture use, expressive and receptive vocabulary, and early morpho-...
The MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDIs) are widely used parent-report tools for assessing early language development, including gesture use, expressive and receptive vocabulary, and early morpho-syntactic capacities. While originally developed for typically developing children aged 8 up to 36 months and aimed at detecting developmental language disorder, CDIs have been increasingly applied in studies of neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions, where language development often diverges from typical trajectories. In this review, we synthesize literature on the use of CDIs in a range of clinical populations, including autism, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, Angelman syndrome, DDX3X syndrome, 5p deletion syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and others. We highlight condition-specific patterns of expressive vocabulary development, discuss the value of longitudinal data collection using CDIs, and visualize age trends that capture change and variability across developmental pathways. Particular attention is given to methodological considerations such as cross-linguistic adaptations, reporting biases, and the limitations of single-timepoint assessments. While CDIs show promise for tracking language trajectories and informing early support, challenges remain in ensuring their reliability, validity, and suitability as screening tools. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of longitudinal, cross-condition, and cross-cultural approaches to better understand atypical language development and to improve the utility of CDIs in both research and applied settings.
YouTube as a source of autism treatment information: A quality and reliability assessment.
Gül H, Özel Y, Murat N … +1 more , Gül A
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41702279 · Publisher ↗
YouTube is a major source of health information for families seeking guidance on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the reliability and educational value of treatment-related content remain uncertain. This cross-section...
YouTube is a major source of health information for families seeking guidance on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the reliability and educational value of treatment-related content remain uncertain. This cross-sectional study evaluated the quality, reliability, and credibility of ASD treatment videos on YouTube, providing a snapshot of the platform as of July 2023. A structured search yielded 114 eligible English-language videos. Two trained evaluators independently assessed each video using validated instruments: the DISCERN questionnaire (DISCERN) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria for reliability, and the Global Quality Scale (GQS) for overall educational quality. Inter-rater reliability was acceptable to excellent across all tools (ICC = 0.516-0.801), permitting the use of combined scores. Overall, video quality was predominantly low to moderate. DISCERN scores indicated that only 14.0 % of videos were "Excellent," while 66.7 % fell within the Poor-to-Fair range. Similarly, only 24.6 % of videos were rated High quality on the GQS. JAMA scores were the lowest overall, with 71.1 % of content failing to meet basic standards of authorship, attribution, disclosure, or currency. Professionally produced content-particularly academic and specialist videos-consistently outperformed family-, patient-, and other non-health-related sources across all measures. Video duration demonstrated positive associations with quality and reliability, whereas higher comment counts were negatively correlated with all scoring systems. Treatment category alone did not predict quality; instead, uploader identity and information structure were the primary determinants. These findings highlight significant variability and persistent gaps in the quality of ASD treatment information on YouTube. Increased clinician involvement, stronger visibility for evidence-based content, and targeted digital health literacy efforts are needed to support families in navigating online ASD resources.
Frequency and nature of sleep disturbances amongst children with cerebral palsy in Northern Ireland: A cross-sectional study.
McCavert ME, Perra O, McConnell K … +1 more , Kerr C
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41702278 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at increased risk of sleep disturbances due to the condition and associated comorbidities. Although prevalence varies across countries and cultures, UK-specific data are...
BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at increased risk of sleep disturbances due to the condition and associated comorbidities. Although prevalence varies across countries and cultures, UK-specific data are limited. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the frequency and nature of sleep disturbances in children with CP in Northern Ireland (NI) and to explore associations with child, sociodemographic, or CP-related characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with parents of children aged 3-18 years with CP. The survey included the validated Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and questions on family demographics. Sample characteristics were compared with age-matched children from the NI Cerebral Palsy Register. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and multivariate linear regressions. RESULTS: Valid responses were obtained from 111 families, and the sample was broadly representative of the CP population in Northern Ireland. A high prevalence of sleep disturbance was observed: 43 % of children met clinical criteria based on contemporary SDSC norms and 74 % using historical norms. The most frequent types of sleep disorder were Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep and Sleep-Wake Transition Disorders. No significant associations were found between SDSC scores and child age, sociodemographic, or clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first UK study to quantify the frequency and nature of sleep disturbances in children with CP using the SDSC. Findings indicate the need for health professionals to routinely enquire about sleep and provide targeted support. Further population-based research is required to understand family sleep experiences over time and inform multidisciplinary intervention and policy.
Intact sleep-dependent memory consolidation of auditory statistical learning among young adults with ADHD.
Ballan R, Durrant SJ, Manoach DS … +1 more , Gabay Y
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41687439 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly linked to deficits in executive function. However, some theoretical frameworks propose that ADHD may also involve disr...
BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly linked to deficits in executive function. However, some theoretical frameworks propose that ADHD may also involve disruptions in cognitive mechanisms central to statistical learning, such as predictive processing and implicit learning. Moreover, abnormal sleep electroencephalography in ADHD raises the possibility of altered sleep-dependent memory consolidation of statistical learning. AIM: Here we examined how individuals with ADHD acquire and consolidate statistical regularities in auditory input, with specific focus on the role of sleep in memory consolidation. Participants were passively exposed to sequences of tones organized according to probabilistic rules of varying complexity and subsequently tested on their recognition of novel tone sequences that conformed to the learned statistical structure. Immediate and delayed recall tests were conducted, with a subset of participants completing the delayed test after a 12-hour interval that included nocturnal sleep, whereas others were tested following a 12-hour interval of daytime wake. This design enabled us to examine how sleep influences the generation of long-lasting statistically structured input in ADHD. RESULTS: Statistical learning performance significantly deteriorated following an interval of daytime wake but remained stable after a night of sleep, indicating that sleep has a protective effect on memory consolidation of statistical regularities. Importantly, participants with ADHD were capable of learning and consolidating statistical structures at the same level as controls. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that not all forms of learning and not all sleep-dependent mechanisms are affected in ADHD, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between different learning and memory processes in this population.
Enhancing motor skills through a mindfulness-based program in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A randomized controlled trial.
Ben Mansour N, Jarraya S, Masmoudi L … +3 more , Abdelkefi I, Jallalli D, Dahmen R
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41687438 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This single-site randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of an 8-week mindfulness program on motor performance in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). METHOD: A total...
OBJECTIVES: This single-site randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of an 8-week mindfulness program on motor performance in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). METHOD: A total of forty-seven male participants (mean age: 15.49 ± 0.51 years; mean weight: 61.79 ± 4.19 kg; mean height: 172.53 ± 2.8 cm) were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: a mindfulness group (MG; n = 15), a physical activity group (PAG; n = 16), and a control group (CG; n = 16). The intervention consisted of 16 sessions, lasting 30 min for the MG and 45 min for the PAG, while the CG received no intervention. Motor skills were assessed at baseline (T0) and after the 8-week intervention (T1) using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition Short Form (BOT-2 SF). RESULTS: Following the intervention, the MG showed significant improvements across (1) fine motor precision (p < 0.001), (2) fine motor integration (p < 0.001), (3) manual dexterity (p < 0.001), (4) bilateral coordination (p = 0.002), (5) balance (p = 0.001), (6) running speed and agility (p < 0.001), (7) upper-limb coordination (p < 0.001) and (8) strength (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness practice is an effective, accessible, and low-cost method to improve motor performance in adolescents with IDD, and its integration into school and therapeutic settings supports their physical development and inclusion.
Verbal, visual and musical memory in children with and without Developmental Language Disorder.
Fancourt AC, Williamson VJ, Omigie D … +1 more , Heaton P
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41679007 · Publisher ↗
While there is a large body of evidence linking Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) with impairments in verbal short-term memory (STM), very little research has investigated the impact on auditory processing outside th...
While there is a large body of evidence linking Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) with impairments in verbal short-term memory (STM), very little research has investigated the impact on auditory processing outside the language domain. Shared cognitive mechanisms may be involved in the maintenance of verbal and musical information in STM, and we hypothesized that impairments in verbal STM would impact musical STM in children with DLD. Children with DLD and two groups of typically developing (TD) children matched for chronological (CA) and verbal mental age (VMA) completed two tasks: one measuring pitch direction discrimination in two-tone sequences, and another measuring memory for pairs of melodies that differed in global contour shape and local intervals within the melodies. All participants were able to discriminate the direction of pitch intervals in two-tone sequences with above-chance accuracy with the CA group showing better discrimination accuracy than the VMA or DLD groups. Melody discrimination was significantly better for melodies that differed at global than local levels in all three groups and the CA group showed better discrimination than the DLD or VMA groups. Correlational analyses revealed that performance on the melody discrimination task was associated with auditory STM in TD children but not children with DLD. Conversely, visual STM was associated with melody discrimination in children with DLD but not TD children. These findings may indicate that visual properties of the musical input could be used to support musical STM in children with DLD.
A cluster-RCT deploying online video teacher training to improve reading skills in students with intellectual disabilities using augmentative and alternative communication: A study protocol.
Bilet-Mossige M, Ulriksen LB, Larsen K … +2 more , Nordahl-Hansen A, Cogo-Moreira H
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41671743 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This cluster-randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of an online video training platform versus in-person tutoring designed for teachers' to support the improvement of early reading skill...
BACKGROUND: This cluster-randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of an online video training platform versus in-person tutoring designed for teachers' to support the improvement of early reading skills for students with intellectual disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). METHODS: The reading development of children with intellectual disabilities using AAC will be evaluated and investigated in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Schools will be randomly assigned to two groups. Teachers in the intervention group will be exposed to an online video training platform that provides tutoring on the reading intervention "Reading for all." Teachers in the control group will receive the same intervention through in-person tutoring. DISCUSSION: Many children with intellectual disabilities who use AAC face several barriers to acquiring literacy. Research describes low expectations and competence, as well as a lack of evidence-based reading programs designed to meet these needs. The generalizability of prior findings to different populations of children who use AAC is limited. Furthermore, few studies have examined the effectiveness of educator-delivered interventions in school settings. Video training allows teachers to flexibly initiate reading interventions across various times and locations, thereby reducing travel time and in-person tutoring. Moreover, its adaptability to various settings facilitates the testing of its generalizability. Online video training can provide a sustainable means of delivering interventions and provide ongoing access to interventions after the study period. The online training deployed in this trial will contribute to the field of special education by leveraging a powerful, research-driven quantitative approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06766188 Registered September 2025, version 2.
Effects of conversational AI-enhanced peer-mediated intervention by peers with intellectual disabilities on conversational skills in children with ASD.
Fan J, Zeng J, Li H
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41671742 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience conversational difficulties that hinder social interactions and peer relationships. This study examined whether a conversational AI-enhanced...
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience conversational difficulties that hinder social interactions and peer relationships. This study examined whether a conversational AI-enhanced peer-mediated intervention delivered by peers with intellectual disabilities (CAI-PMI-ID) yielded superior outcomes in improving conversational skills in children with ASD compared with PMI-ID-only. METHOD: This study employed a multiple-probe across participants design and an alternating treatments design to compare the effects of CAI-PMI-ID and PMI-ID-only. Conversational outcomes included quantitative measures (frequency of appropriate initiations and responses) and qualitative measures (mean length of utterance in morphemes, MLU-M; number of different words, NDW; and total number of words, TNW). RESULTS: CAI-PMI-ID produced greater improvements in the frequency of appropriate conversational initiations and responses than PMI-ID-only. It also yielded superior outcomes in lexical diversity and productivity, as reflected in NDW and TNW. The two intervention conditions resulted in limited and variable effects on MLU-M. CAI-PMI-ID facilitated the successful generalization of conversational skills to interact with different peers. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: These preliminary findings support the feasibility and added value of CAI-PMI-ID for enhancing core conversational behaviors and lexical productivity among children with ASD. Future research should integrate evidence-based syntactic supports to promote MLU-M, leverage multimodal and scenario-based AI in natural settings, strengthen AI-peer collaboration, and improve AI speech recognition to enhance intervention effects.
Understanding pain experiences in individuals with developmental disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative interview study.
Almughyiri S
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41653576 · Publisher ↗
Research is limited on presenting optimal insights into the pain experiences of individuals with development disabilities (DD). Due to the group's insufficient communication skills, experts find it challenging to accurat...
Research is limited on presenting optimal insights into the pain experiences of individuals with development disabilities (DD). Due to the group's insufficient communication skills, experts find it challenging to accurately assess pain. As a result, individuals with DDs often encounter the consequences of undiagnosed pain. A similar risk tends to increase in certain countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), considering the impact of distinct cultural and social characteristics that define pain experiences. This qualitative research, utilizing an exploratory research design and an interpretivist research philosophy, aims to critically examine pain experiences in individuals with DDs in Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 healthcare professionals, family caregivers, physiotherapists, and special education teachers. Important themes identified in the current research include diverse pain interpretations, the implications of persistent behavioral changes, challenges in identifying different types of pain, pain management as an ongoing, context-specific process, and systemic and cultural factors that determine pain management in individuals with DDs in KSA. A relevant aspect emerging in the study is associated with comprehending the varied nuances of pain experiences of individuals with DDs.
Game on but pay the price: Hyperfocus, flow, escapism, self-efficacy, and burnout among video gamers with ADHD traits.
Pyszkowska A, Nowacki A, Dziura N
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41650538 · Publisher ↗
Hyperfocus-an intense, uncontrollable state of attention-has gained attention for its dual adaptive and maladaptive outcomes and its potential role in gaming experience. Although distinguishing hyperfocus from flow durin...
Hyperfocus-an intense, uncontrollable state of attention-has gained attention for its dual adaptive and maladaptive outcomes and its potential role in gaming experience. Although distinguishing hyperfocus from flow during gameplay may be challenging, their predictive factors (e.g., escapism motivation) and consequences (e.g., burnout, self-efficacy) may differentiate the two constructs. However, the distinction between hyperfocus and flow in gaming contexts - particularly regarding their psychological outcomes and statistical predictors - remains insufficiently understood. The aims of this study were to a) establish possible differences in hyperfocus and flow as potential predictors of negative (cognitive, emotional burnout) and positive (self-efficacy) psychological outcomes among adult video gamers with ADHD traits, and b) compare these outcomes between individuals with a formal ADHD diagnosis and with an ADHD self-diagnosis. Data from 310 participants with ADHD traits were analyzed. First, an exploratory correlation analysis was conducted. Then, the relationships between hyperfocus, flow, escapism motivation, self-efficacy, and burnout were compared between persons with a formal ADHD diagnosis (N = 174) and self-diagnosis (N = 136) using the Mann-Whitney test, network analysis, and two PLS-SEM models. Flow and hyperfocus differed in both predictors and outcomes, with flow associated with greater self-efficacy and hyperfocus predicting higher burnout. Group comparisons indicated complex patterns: self-suppression escapism predicted flow only in the self-diagnosis group, while also predicting hyperfocus in both groups. Hyperfocus and flow emerge as qualitatively distinct states with different predictors and consequences. Furthermore, systematic differences between formally diagnosed and self-diagnosed individuals with ADHD traits underscore the necessity of distinguishing these subgroups in research on ADHD-related experiences.
Employment barriers for people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.
Alasmari AN, Almalky HA
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41637870 · Publisher ↗
People with disabilities (PWDs) encounter numerous barriers that hinder their access to employment. This study examined perceived barriers related to (a) human resource (HR) practices and legislation, (b) employers' and...
People with disabilities (PWDs) encounter numerous barriers that hinder their access to employment. This study examined perceived barriers related to (a) human resource (HR) practices and legislation, (b) employers' and employees' perceptions, and (c) workplace accommodations in Saudi Arabia. The study also investigated whether perceived barriers differed according to institutional characteristics, including employment sector, institutional age, public versus private status, current employment of PWDs, and Mowaamah certification status. Data were collected through a survey completed by employers and HR professionals (n = 86) across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The findings indicated that the most significant barriers were limited knowledge regarding how to provide appropriate assistance and resources to PWDs, as well as a shortage of PWDs applying for available positions. Conversely, the least significant barrier was the perception that PWDs cause disruptions in the workplace. Group comparisons revealed that perceived barriers were higher in newer institutions than in older ones, higher in institutions that did not currently employ PWDs, and lower in institutions that had obtained Mowaamah certification. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness of employment barriers facing PWDs. The study also identifies directions for future research, including the use of qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to further understand and address barriers to employing PWDs in Saudi Arabia.
Camp-based entertainment rehabilitation for young people with down syndrome in Saudi Arabia.
Abdulaziz Al Saud DBABSB
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 41637869 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with lifelong challenges across cognitive, physical, and social domains that can impact quality of life (QoL). Despite research evidence supporting the benefits of recreationa...
BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with lifelong challenges across cognitive, physical, and social domains that can impact quality of life (QoL). Despite research evidence supporting the benefits of recreational and entertainment-based rehabilitation, such programmes remain underdeveloped in the Middle East. This study examined cultural appropriateness, and impact of a camp-based entertainment rehabilitation programme for young people with DS in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This study was implemented with 11 participants (aged 17-23 years) attending an 11-day residential camp in Al-Baha. The adapted Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for Persons with DS was administered at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and 8-week follow-up (T3). Qualitative data was also captured to gain understanding about participant and parent lived experiences. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed across all QoL domains between T1 and T2 with gains maintained at T3. Qualitative findings revealed enhanced independence, self-confidence, social engagement, and parental relief. Participants expressed joy and belonging, while parents reported reduced stress and increased optimism. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study demonstrate that entertainment-based rehabilitation can be effective in enhancing QoL among young people with DS within a culturally grounded Saudi context. This pilot study highlights the potential of leisure-focused rehabilitation to promote inclusion, family well-being, and social participation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's Quality of Life goals.
Navigating healthcare among Canadians with ASD during transitions to adulthood: How does it look like from the perspectives of stakeholders?
Ghanouni P, Kavanaugh P
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41619698 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The transition to adulthood presents specific challenges for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents, particularly in navigating healthcare systems and adapting routines. Despite t...
INTRODUCTION: The transition to adulthood presents specific challenges for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents, particularly in navigating healthcare systems and adapting routines. Despite the importance of this transition, effectively navigating the healthcare system remains difficult and there is limited information specifically on healthcare navigation. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the experiences of stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding and identify crucial components for successfully navigating healthcare systems. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants, including 6 youth with ASD, 10 parents of youth with ASD, and 4 service providers from Canadian provinces. The interviews were analyzed thematically to extract meaningful insights. RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed three main themes essential to navigating the healthcare system: (a) information sharing, emphasizing the significance of accessible and comprehensive information exchange regarding healthcare resources; (b) community-based programs, underscoring the role of community resources and support networks in facilitating healthcare access and transition; and (c) healthcare coordination, highlighting the necessity of tailored and ongoing support mechanisms to assist individuals with ASD during the transition process. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the existing literature on the transition to adulthood for individuals with ASD by identifying key factors influencing healthcare system navigation. Recognizing and addressing these factors are vital due to their profound impact on youth and their families. The findings highlight the importance of accessing navigational services to facilitate a successful transition of healthcare systems and can inform the development of navigational support interventions. CONTRIBUTION TO THE LITERATURE.
Associations between receptive and expressive vocabulary and early literacy in young students with intellectual disabilities using AAC.
Ulriksen LB, Bilet-Mossige M, Larsen K … +1 more , Nordahl-Hansen A
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41619697 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study examined the associations between receptive and expressive vocabulary and early literacy skills (i.e., phonological awareness and letter-sound knowledge) among 39 students aged 6-14 years with intelle...
PURPOSE: This study examined the associations between receptive and expressive vocabulary and early literacy skills (i.e., phonological awareness and letter-sound knowledge) among 39 students aged 6-14 years with intellectual disabilities, autism, and/or Down syndrome who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Receptive and expressive vocabulary are identified as a key risk factor for developing reading skills in students with intellectual disabilities who use AAC. METHODS: Spearman's correlation analyses and generalized linear models were conducted throughout this non-experimental investigation to examine the association between receptive and expressive vocabulary, phonological awareness (sound blending and initial sound recognition), and letter-sound knowledge. RESULTS: Findings revealed a significant correlation between expressive vocabulary (i.e., words children can use in speech) and both letter-sound knowledge and sound blending, contrary to prior research. Additionally, students' receptive and expressive vocabulary showed no correlation with their early literacy skills. Binomial Generalized Linear Models (mixed-effects models) highlighted the importance of receptive vocabulary in early literacy development. Furthermore, looking at the differences within the sample, students with autism and intellectual disability requiring AAC had a higher negative probability of maximum scores in early literacy skills. CONCLUSIONS: These findings deepen understanding of how the correlations between receptive and expressive vocabulary relate to early literacy skills. This may contribute to more targeted interventions and provide implications for practitioners and their teaching within receptive and expressive vocabulary and early literacy components, which will benefit this population in further reading development.
The relationship between social media use and adolescent inattention and impulsivity: A systematic review.
Fabio RA, Picciotto G
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41616599 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to evaluate the association between social media use (SMU) and ADHD-related outcomes-primarily inattention and impulsivity-among adolescents aged 10-19 years. METHODS: A systematic...
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to evaluate the association between social media use (SMU) and ADHD-related outcomes-primarily inattention and impulsivity-among adolescents aged 10-19 years. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase in June 2025. Search terms included: ("social media" OR "social network" OR "social networking site" OR Instagram OR TikTok OR Facebook) AND (adolescen* OR teen* OR youth) AND (ADHD OR "attention deficit" OR inattention OR impulsivit* OR hyperactiv*). Eligible studies included both general population samples and adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Filters were applied to include articles published in English between 2015 and 2025. Although a formal risk of bias assessment was not conducted, study characteristics and methodological variability were qualitatively evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized. Across both clinical and non-clinical samples, most studies reported a significant association between problematic social media use and ADHD-related traits or symptoms, particularly inattention. Evidence for associations with impulsivity was also observed, whereas findings related to hyperactivity were less consistent and less frequently examined. However, considerable heterogeneity in study design, measurement tools, and operationalization of SMU limited direct comparability and synthesis. CONCLUSION: Problematic social media use appears to be associated with increased inattention- and impulsivity-related outcomes in adolescents. While current evidence suggests a meaningful link, the predominance of cross-sectional designs limits conclusions about directionality. Future research should adopt longitudinal and experimental approaches, employ standardized and conceptually precise measures of social media use, and clarify the role of specific ADHD dimensions.
Sleep in children with spinal muscular atrophy and their caregivers: Exploring sleep problems and the need for care.
van Rijssen IM, Rodenburg S, Alsem M … +6 more , Hulst R, Gorter JW, Lansink IO, van der Pol L, Veldhoen E, Verschuren O
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41616598 · Publisher ↗
Sleep-disordered breathing in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is well recognized, yet little is known about everyday, non-respiratory sleep problems and their impact on caregivers. The purpose of this study i...
Sleep-disordered breathing in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is well recognized, yet little is known about everyday, non-respiratory sleep problems and their impact on caregivers. The purpose of this study is to describe the caregiver-reported frequency and type of sleep problems in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and to evaluate the sleep satisfaction of their child and their own sleep. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between child and caregiver sleep. Finally, we compared sleep outcomes of children with SMA to that of typically developing (TD) children and their caregivers. Fifty-one children with SMA (age range: 0-16), 287 TD children (age range: 0-16) and their caregivers participated in this cross-sectional, exploratory observational questionnaire study. Night-time waking, snoring, pain or discomfort and daytime fatigue were more common in children with SMA. Caregivers of children with SMA were less satisfied about their child's and own sleep, and more often reported feeling sleep deprived. We recommend regular assessment of sleep in children with SMA and their families in pediatric healthcare practice.
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