Res Dev Disabil [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Preliminary psychometric evaluation of the Greek little developmental coordination disorder questionnaire (LDCDQ-GR).
Kalaitzi T, Kitixis P, Zafeiriou D … +2 more , Poulis I, Paras G
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41604748 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a multifactorial motor disorder that significantly impacts a child's activities of daily living and academic skills. Identifying signs of DCD early is essential to...
BACKGROUND: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a multifactorial motor disorder that significantly impacts a child's activities of daily living and academic skills. Identifying signs of DCD early is essential to enable timely support and reduce the risk of long-term difficulties. AIMS: This cross-sectional study aimed to further investigate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (LDCDQ) by carrying out appropriate analyses in a convenience sample of 3- to 5- year old children in Greece. METHODS: A total of 362 preschool children aged 3-5 years old from 39 municipal kindergartens in Thessaloniki, Greece participated in this study. Parents filled out the Greek LDCDQ. Internal consistency of the LDCDQ-GR was determined by Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was investigated using factor analysis RESULTS: Internal consistency of the LDCDQ-GR was 0.88. Factor analysis resulted in three factors (Locomotor, Fine motor and General Coordination skills). No effects of age (H(2) = 3.93, p = 0.14, η = 0.005) and gender (H(1) = 2.75, p = 0.09, η = 0.005) were depicted for the LDCDQ-GR final score. CONCLUSION: LDCDQ-GR appears to be a reliable and well-structured questionnaire for identifying preschool-aged (3-5 years old) children in Greece who may be at risk for DCD.
Validation of the Arabic version of the Self-Determination Screening Scale: A Multitrait-Multimethod analysis.
Alnahdi GH, Alwadei A, Schwab S
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41592358 · Publisher ↗
There is a scarcity of validated scales designed to assess self-determination among students with disabilities. This study evaluates the Self-Determination Screening Scale for Adolescents with Disabilities (SDSS-AR) with...
There is a scarcity of validated scales designed to assess self-determination among students with disabilities. This study evaluates the Self-Determination Screening Scale for Adolescents with Disabilities (SDSS-AR) within the Arab context and applies Multitrait-Multimethod analysis to assess its validity for different informant versions (students, families, and teachers), with a total sample size of 508 covering all three versions. The results support convergent and discriminant validity and establish SDSS-AR as a reliable measure. By offering insights from various perspectives, this study validates a culturally adapted tool that significantly contributes to empowering Arab students with disabilities to successfully achieve societal integration. Moreover, this study highlights the important role played by culturally relevant, multidimensional assessment tools in enhancing educational and psychological practices.
Accelerometer-measured physical activity among children and adolescents with and without neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Liang X, Chan RCF, Haegele JA … +8 more , Healy S, Xu RH, Liu C, Chen M, Li M, Zhang H, Sit CHP, Shum DHK
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41581434 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Physical inactivity is a health concern for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) as it directly increases their risk of developing various health problems. Evidence on differences in...
PURPOSE: Physical inactivity is a health concern for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) as it directly increases their risk of developing various health problems. Evidence on differences in accelerometer-assessed physical activity between children and adolescents with and without NDDs is inconclusive. And age- and body mass index (BMI)-related effects on physical activity remain unclear. METHODS: The systematic literature searches were performed in 6 databases up to March 2025. Methodological quality was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Hedges' g was used to express the effect size index with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Meta-regression on age and BMI was also performed to investigate the potential moderating effects. RESULTS: Out of the 2167 studies initially identified, 28 were included in the analysis, which comprised total physical activity (TPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and light physical activity (LPA) included in the meta-analysis, respectively. These studies involved 1060 children and adolescents with NDDs and 1820 without, aged 6.6-16.9 years. A small-to-moderate effect size exists for the difference in TPA (g=-0.299) and MVPA (g=-0.479) between children and adolescents with and without NDD, particularly indicating a difference in 12.7 min of MVPA daily. The difference in LPA was not significant (g=0.450, p = 0.125). The decline in MVPA with age was more pronounced in those with NDDs, and the difference in MVPA was smaller for those with lower BMI. CONCLUSION: The variation in MVPA differences by age and BMI highlights the need to develop better physical activity habits and reduce these disparities for children and adolescents with NDDs.
Participation patterns and associated factors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A nationwide population study.
Lin CY, Kang LJ, Liao HF … +5 more , Cheong PL, Yen CF, Liou TH, Wu YT, Yang PY
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41579493 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Participation is central to development and quality of life in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most evidence derives from Western populations, and little is known about how body function and environmental com...
BACKGROUND: Participation is central to development and quality of life in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most evidence derives from Western populations, and little is known about how body function and environmental components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) shape participation across developmental stages in East Asia. PURPOSE: To examine participation patterns and associated factors among Taiwanese children and adolescents with ASD using a national dataset. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Taiwan Databank of Persons with Disabilities, including 5190 children (aged 6-12) and 3603 adolescents (aged 13-17) with clinically confirmed ASD. Participation frequency and independence across six domains were assessed using the Functioning Scale of the Disability Evaluation System-Child version (FUNDES-Child). Body function and environmental factors were evaluated with standardized subscales. Analysis of covariance compared age groups, and multiple regression identified predictors. Robustness was tested using E-values. RESULTS: Children showed lower participation frequency, whereas adolescents had reduced independence in social domains. Mental and speech impairments were the strongest limiting factors, while physical and sensory impairments were less influential. Environmental supports, particularly caregiver assistance, social attitudes, and accessibility, were significant predictors. E-values indicated moderate robustness for daily living and mobility (3.11 - 3.47), very high robustness for environmental assistance and social attitude supports (27.7). CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the interplay of functional limitations and contextual supports. E-value analyses confirm the robustness of communication-related impairments and environmental supports, suggesting interventions in these domains are most reliable for enhancing participation in East Asian children and adolescents with ASD.
Latent profiles of depression and post-traumatic growth and their associations with social support and religious participation in mothers of children with developmental disabilities in South Korea.
Park SK, Lee H
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41579492 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Mothers of children with developmental disabilities (DD) experience chronic and cumulative stress, yet many also report positive psychological changes such as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Few studies have exa...
BACKGROUND: Mothers of children with developmental disabilities (DD) experience chronic and cumulative stress, yet many also report positive psychological changes such as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Few studies have examined how depression and PTG co-occur as distinct mental-health patterns or how psychosocial resources influence these profiles. This study identified latent profiles of depression and PTG among Korean mothers of children with DD and examined whether social support and religious participation predicted profile membership. METHOD: A total of 488 mothers of children with DD participated in a survey conducted in Seoul and surrounding areas (2017-2018). Measures included the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, PHQ-9 depression scale, perceived informal support, formal service use, and religious participation. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify distinct psychological profiles, followed by multinomial logistic regression to examine predictors of class membership. RESULTS: A three-class solution best represented the data: (1) Low PTG/High Depression (13.4 %), (2) Moderate PTG/Moderate Depression (47.9 %), and (3) High PTG/Low Depression (38.6 %). Higher levels of family support, formal support services for caregivers, and active religious participation significantly increased the likelihood of belonging to the High PTG/Low Depression class. Self-rated health also differentiated class membership. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers of children with DD demonstrate heterogeneous combinations of distress and growth, supporting a dual-axis understanding of mental health. Social support-especially family support-and active religious participation emerged as key correlates of more adaptive profiles. Findings highlight the importance of culturally embedded support systems and tailored interventions that address both distress reduction and growth promotion.
"It was like everything happened at once": Interviews with parents about having a child with intellectual disability and behaviours that challenge.
López Radrigán C, Arango Uribe PS, Gatica Cea F
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41576832 · Publisher ↗
This article explores the experiences of parents of children and adolescents with intellectual disability who exhibit behaviours that challenge (BtC). Using a qualitative approach, fifteen mothers and three fathers parti...
This article explores the experiences of parents of children and adolescents with intellectual disability who exhibit behaviours that challenge (BtC). Using a qualitative approach, fifteen mothers and three fathers participated in in-depth interviews, which were coded using thematic analysis. We found three themes: (1) parents' experiences raising a child with intellectual disability and BtC, (2) parents' attributions regarding their child's BtC, and (3) parents' perceptions about factors that have supported or hindered their role as parents. Findings offer a situated account of experiences shaped by children's needs and broader sociocultural and structural dynamics. This research highlights how parenting a child with intellectual disability and BtC is not solely a matter of individual or familial responsibility, but it is embedded in collective social arrangements. This contributes to a contextualised understanding of parenting processes in complex situations, promoting the development of family-centred and culturally relevant supports within the Chilean context.
Facilitators and barriers to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) adoption for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Teachers' perspectives.
Alhuzimi TE
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41564705 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience significant challenges in verbal and social communication, which can hinder their ability to express needs, interact socially, and participate in...
BACKGROUND: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience significant challenges in verbal and social communication, which can hinder their ability to express needs, interact socially, and participate in educational settings. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems ranging from low-tech tools like picture exchange systems to high-tech speech-generating devices are widely used to support and enhance communication in individuals with limited or nonverbal speech abilities. AIM: This study investigated the perspective of teachers on identifying the facilitators and barriers of AAC usage using the TAM approach. METHOD: Questionnaires were completed by 101 in-service teachers from Saudi Arabia teaching with direct experience in using and supporting AAC in the classrooms. They responded to the developed questionnaire covering various types of facilitators, barriers, perceived usefulness of AAC use, perceived ease of use of AAC, teachers' attitude towards AAC, behavioral intention of teachers to use AAC, and adoption as well as implementation of AAC. The data obtained from the questionnaire were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS software. RESULTS: The findings showed that perceived usefulness as well as perceived ease of use mediated the impact of facilitators and barriers of AAC. Moreover, teachers' attitude was also found to mediate the impact of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on behavioral intention to use. Along with this, the sequential mediation of perceived usefulness or ease of use with teachers' attitude was also established. CONCLUSIONS: To facilitate the effective adoption of AAC, it is imperative that educational institutions provide sustained, practice-oriented professional development, guarantee consistent and equitable access to AAC technologies, and cultivate a school culture that actively endorses and systematically integrates AAC practices across teaching teams.
Longitudinal trajectories of self-care performance in children with and without developmental conditions.
Huang CY, Cheng PY, Chen KL … +1 more , Chen YJ
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41558243 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Limited research has explored the longitudinal development of children's self-care performance in East Asian contexts. This study aimed to examine the 1.5-year trajectories of self-care skills in Taiwanese ch...
BACKGROUND: Limited research has explored the longitudinal development of children's self-care performance in East Asian contexts. This study aimed to examine the 1.5-year trajectories of self-care skills in Taiwanese children with typical development (TD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other developmental conditions (DC), and their associations with child and family factors and later adaptive skills in different settings. METHODS: Caregivers of 1056 children (664 TD, 89 ASD, 303 DC) completed the Self-Care Performance Assessment for Children (SCPAC) across four timepoints, six months apart (response rates=14-49 %). The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, Third Edition (VABS-3) was administered at later timepoints. Latent growth curve modeling, stratified by age group (0-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 years), was used to estimate self-care performance trajectories with child- and family-related factors as covariates. The lagged effects of SCPAC scores on VABS-3 domestic and community subdomain scores were evaluated with path analysis. RESULTS: Distinct trajectories were observed in SCPAC total and subdomains across age and diagnostic groups. Children in the ASD and DC groups showed lower self-care performance after age 4 and slower progress before age 4. Number of siblings and caregiver education were associated with baseline level or growth rate of self-care performance in certain age groups. The overall self-care performance significantly predicted later domestic and community living skills. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide nuanced insights into the diverse developmental patterns of self-care skills across ages and diagnoses, suggesting that children with developmental needs may benefit from targeted support in specific self-care areas at key stages of childhood.
Sensory-integrated habit reversal intervention for hair pulling and classroom engagement in children with autism: A multiple-baseline pilot study.
Aldakhil AF
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41558242 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Hair pulling is a body-focused repetitive behavior frequently observed in individuals with autism and is increasingly conceptualized as a developmentally mediated self-regulatory behavior that may interfere w...
BACKGROUND: Hair pulling is a body-focused repetitive behavior frequently observed in individuals with autism and is increasingly conceptualized as a developmentally mediated self-regulatory behavior that may interfere with adaptive participation across everyday contexts. Although habit reversal training (HRT) has demonstrated efficacy for reducing repetitive behaviors, evidence supporting its implementation in naturalistic settings, particularly when integrated with sensory-regulation supports remains limited. METHODS: This study examined the effects of a sensory-integrated habit reversal (SI-HR) intervention on hair pulling and functional engagement in autistic children within a naturalistic educational context. A multiple-baseline across participants single-case experimental design was employed with eight autistic students (four boys, four girls) aged 8-14 years. Following staggered baseline phases, trained school personnel implemented a manualized intervention combining core HRT components (awareness training, competing responses, and stimulus control) with individualized sensory-regulation strategies embedded within daily routines. Hair pulling was measured using partial-interval recording, and engagement was assessed using momentary time sampling as an indicator of attentional regulation and adaptive participation. Treatment fidelity, interobserver agreement, and social validity were evaluated. RESULTS: Visual analysis and nonoverlap indices demonstrated consistent and immediate reductions in hair pulling across participants, with large effects (NAP range = 0.92-1.00) and maintenance of gains during a maintenance/probe phase. Functional engagement increased for most participants, although the magnitude of change varied. Teachers and caregivers rated the intervention as feasible and acceptable under typical educational conditions. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Findings provide preliminary support for a sensory-integrated behavioral approach to reducing body-focused repetitive behavior in autistic children, with associated improvements in functional engagement. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the multicomponent nature of the intervention and the small sample size, underscoring the need for replication, component analyses, and extended follow-up across developmental and rehabilitative contexts.
Repeated sexual assault among people with disabilities: A comparative analysis by disability type.
Pu C, Chou YC, Chou YJ
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41544330 · Publisher ↗
Sexual violence disproportionately affects people with disabilities. Repeated sexual assault, a core marker of system failure, is an understudied topic in disability research. The current study quantified inequalities in...
Sexual violence disproportionately affects people with disabilities. Repeated sexual assault, a core marker of system failure, is an understudied topic in disability research. The current study quantified inequalities in sexual revictimization between people with and without disabilities and between disability types. We linked Taiwan's 2019-2022 National Sexual Assault Database with the National Disability Registry to compare revictimization by disability status and type and to identify correlates. Negative binomial models yielded incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with adjustment for age, sex, place of residence, income, perpetrator relationship, and follow-up time. Among 30,124 individuals with sexual assault experience, 3116 (10.3 %) experienced multiple assaults; 22.8 % of these experienced 3 or more assaults. People with disabilities were more likely to experience multiple assaults than were people without disabilities (IRR = 2.42, P < .001). Among people with disabilities (n = 3633), those with an intellectual disability (IRR = 1.83, P < .001) or a mental disability (IRR = 2.32, P < .001) were the most likely to experience revictimization. Perpetrator relationship had an influence; compared with noncohabiting partners, the following perpetrators were associated with a greater risk of multiple assault: online acquaintances (IRR = 1.94, P < .001); fathers (IRR = 1.64, P < .001), and strangers (IRR = 1.68, P < .001). Online acquaintances were a risk factor among people with disabilities (IRR = 1.74, P < .001). Our findings highlight substantial, disability-specific disparities in repeated sexual assault. Prevention and response should prioritize assisting survivors with intellectual and mental disabilities.
The effect of culturally adapted oral hygiene dental visual aids on plaque removal in autistic children: A randomized clinical trial.
Aljubour AA, Abdelbaki M, El Meligy O … +4 more , Jabri BA, Bashkail FB, Alamoudi RM, Sabbagh HJ
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41544329 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Culturally tailored visual aids are a vital educational resource for facilitating skill acquisition in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study evaluates the effectiveness of a culturally adap...
BACKGROUND: Culturally tailored visual aids are a vital educational resource for facilitating skill acquisition in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study evaluates the effectiveness of a culturally adapted dental visual aid, developed by Aljubour, in enhancing the oral hygiene of children with ASD over a six-month follow-up period. METHODOLOGY: A longitudinal, blinded, randomized, and controlled clinical trial was conducted over six months. Participants were allocated into two groups: Group I received the Aljubour culturally adapted dental visual aids, while Group II received conventional dental visual aids. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the Silness and Löe plaque index. RESULTS: Although the reduction in mean plaque index following six months of using the culturally adapted visual aids was not statistically significant (P = 0.120), a significant difference was observed between the two study groups (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that children with ASD who utilized the Aljubour culturally adapted dental visual aids demonstrated a significant improvement in oral hygiene status compared to those who used conventional dental visual aids after a six-month evaluation period.
Father-child interactions in autism: A multivariate analysis of behavioral patterns in Italian dyads.
Perzolli S, Bertamini G, Venuti P … +1 more , Bentenuto A
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41529393 · Publisher ↗
Although research on fathers in the context of autism has increased in recent years, the behavioral dimensions of paternal involvement, and how these behaviors relate to child characteristics, remain insufficiently under...
Although research on fathers in the context of autism has increased in recent years, the behavioral dimensions of paternal involvement, and how these behaviors relate to child characteristics, remain insufficiently understood. This study examined how multiple aspects of fathers' interactive behavior, including affective quality, play, and language, co-occur and relate to children's behaviors in a sample of autistic preschoolers. Participants were 43 Italian fathers and their 43 autistic children (M chronological age = 40.74 months, SD = 11.51; M mental age = 29.28 months, SD = 12.31). Fathers' interactive behaviors were assessed using observational and standardized measures of affect (Emotional Availability Scales, EAS), play (Play Code), and language (Penman Code). Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) identified two distinct patterns of paternal behavior. The first reflected high sensitivity and structuring, suggesting an attuned and supportive interactive style. The second pattern was characterized by reduced verbalization combined with low intrusiveness, indicating a relational, child-centered approach. Father-child play behaviors were strongly aligned, highlighting mutual attunement during shared play. Moreover, higher paternal sensitivity was associated with greater child involvement and responsiveness. Overall, findings suggest that fathers exhibit flexible configurations of behavior that may be linked to their children's characteristics. These results underscore the importance of multivariate approaches for capturing the complexity of father-child interactions in autism and highlight the need for personalized, father-inclusive strategies in developmental assessment and intervention.
Academic self-efficacy and study engagement in university students with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Andreassen M, Berg LJ, Larsen MM … +3 more , Vee TS, Andersen PN, Orm S
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41520464 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To (1) compare academic self-efficacy and study engagement between students with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), (2) examine procrastination, self-esteem, and interpersonal relati...
OBJECTIVES: To (1) compare academic self-efficacy and study engagement between students with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), (2) examine procrastination, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships with peers and faculty as possible associated factors, and (3) explore whether these associations differ between students with and without ADHD. METHOD: Students in higher education with ADHD (n = 99; M = 22.29, 79.8 % female) and without ADHD (n = 182, M = 21.57, 83.5 % female) completed scales. Data were analyzed with linear regression. RESULTS: Students with ADHD reported lower academic self-efficacy (d = -.45, p < .001) and study engagement (d = -.42, p = .003), more procrastination (d = 1.32, p < .001), lower self-esteem (d = -.36, p = .007), and poorer relationships with peers (d = -.65, p < .001) and faculty (d = -.49, p < .001) than students without ADHD. Across groups, higher academic self-efficacy was associated with less procrastination (β = -.24, p < .001), higher self-esteem (β =.32, p < .001), and better relationships with faculty (β =.37, p < .001). Self-efficacy and self-esteem were more strongly associated in students with ADHD. Higher study engagement was associated with less procrastination and better relationships with peers and faculty. Females without ADHD reported higher study engagement than males, whereas no gender differences were found among students with ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: Students with ADHD experience lower academic self-efficacy and study engagement than their peers. Addressing procrastination and fostering social and academic integration may improve these outcomes.
Depression in mothers with intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning: A longitudinal study.
Heyman M, Zeng W, Duffy L
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41519063 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience economic and social marginalization that increase their vulnerability for adverse mental health outcomes. Longitudinal research is necessary to understan...
BACKGROUND: Parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience economic and social marginalization that increase their vulnerability for adverse mental health outcomes. Longitudinal research is necessary to understand the development of such outcomes in relation to raising a child for parents with ID. METHOD: This study uses longitudinal data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was employed to examine rates and risk factors of depression among a total sample of N = 435 mothers with ID and borderline intellectual functioning (IF) across Years 1-15. RESULTS: For mothers with ID and borderline IF, rates of depression were consistently elevated, and the highest risk was observed when their child was 3 years old, even when adjusting for multiple sociodemographic and contextual variables. Being married/partnered and having higher levels of social support were associated with lower odds, whereas having higher levels of parenting stress and material hardship were associated with higher odds of depression. CONCLUSIONS: Given the consistently high rates of maternal depression, interventions are needed across the span of parenthood and child development for mothers with ID and borderline IF. Developmentally appropriate supports are especially needed during early childhood.
Sensory profiles and a teacher-mediated classroom intervention for preschool skin-picking behaviours.
Abou-Eid NFSA
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41512427 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Preschool skin-picking is an understudied behaviour that can disrupt self-regulation and participation. Its proposed links to atypical sensory processing highlight the need for classroom-based, sensory-inform...
BACKGROUND: Preschool skin-picking is an understudied behaviour that can disrupt self-regulation and participation. Its proposed links to atypical sensory processing highlight the need for classroom-based, sensory-informed support. OBJECTIVE: To compare sensory profiles of preschoolers with skin-picking versus typically developing (TD) peers, pilot a brief teacher-mediated, classroom-embedded sensory programme (feasibility, fidelity, preliminary effectiveness), and explore teacher/parent acceptability in Saudi preschools. METHODS: In a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study, 52 Saudi preschool children (3-6 years) were recruited from six classrooms in Saudi Arabia (45 with skin-picking; 7 typically developing). Measures included the Sensory Profile 2, Preschool Skin-Picking Severity Scale (PSP-SS), and structured observations. A subgroup of 15 children received a 4-week teacher-mediated sensory programme. RESULTS: Children with skin-picking exhibited higher levels of Sensory Seeking and Sensory Sensitivity than TD peers. Within the intervention subgroup, the programme resulted in a large reduction in PSP-SS scores (η²p = .64), with marked decreases during transitions (78 %) and sedentary activities (65 %). Severity correlated with Sensory Seeking (r = .52, 95 % CI [.26-.71]) and Sensory Sensitivity (r = .41, 95 % CI [.12-.64]). Qualitative findings indicated limited prior awareness of the behaviour and strong acceptance of the structured sensory routines. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Atypical sensory processing-particularly elevated sensory seeking-appears central to preschool skin-picking. A brief, teacher-mediated, classroom-embedded sensory programme showed preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness; these findings support integrating sensory-informed screening and routine-based classroom supports during high-risk contexts (e.g., transitions and seated tasks), with referral pathways for non-responders.
Latent profiles of emotional and behavioral risks in children with intellectual disabilities: characteristics and associations with parenting styles.
Tan X, Zhang L, Du F … +3 more , Fan P, Wang D, Wu X
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41512426 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: We aimed to identify heterogeneous emotional and behavioral patterns in children and adolescents with intellectual developmental disorder (intellectual disability) (ID) and to determine how these profiles are as...
PURPOSE: We aimed to identify heterogeneous emotional and behavioral patterns in children and adolescents with intellectual developmental disorder (intellectual disability) (ID) and to determine how these profiles are associated with different parenting styles. METHODS: Latent profile analysis was used to identify children's emotional and behavioral risk trajectories. One-way ANOVA assessed differences in parenting styles across the resulting behavioral risk profiles. Multinomial logistic regression investigated the associations of parenting styles with child profile membership. RESULTS: Analyses of 204 children and adolescents with ID (mean age 13.08 ± 3.17 years) identified three behavioral risk trajectories: (1) low externalizing, high prosocial group /low risk (14.21 %), showing minimal externalizing issues and strong prosocial behaviors; (2) hyperactivity-prominent/moderate risk (64.22 %), indicating pronounced hyperactivity and moderate externalizing problems; and (3) high externalizing/high risk (21.57 %), demonstrating elevated emotional and conduct problems with low prosocial behavior. One-way ANOVA showed significant between-group effects for indulgent (F = 13.46, η = 0.117, p < 0.01), democratic (F = 30.76, η = 0.234, p < 0.01), permissive (F = 4.42, η = 0.042, p = 0.013), and inconsistent parenting styles (F = 12.90, η = 0.115, p < 0.01). Multinomial logistic regression indicated that the democratic parenting style was positively associated with higher likelihood of child membership in the low externalizing, high prosocial group (OR = 1.317 [95 % CI, 1.186-1.463], p < 0.001) or the hyperactivity-prominent group (OR = 1.208 [95 % CI, 1.121-1.302], p < 0.001). The indulgent parenting style was negatively associated with the low externalizing group (OR = 0.829 [95 % CI, 0.703-0.978], p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that democratic parenting style may be the most effective approach to support positive emotional and behavioral adjustment in children and adolescents with ID.
Improving facial emotion recognition in children with developmental language disorder: Intentional or incidental training?
Maes JHR, Scheper AR, Hermans D … +1 more , Vissers CTWM
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41512425 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with Developmental language disorder (DLD) have difficulties in developing age-appropriate expressive and receptive language skills. Reflecting the role of language in cognition, many children with D...
BACKGROUND: Children with Developmental language disorder (DLD) have difficulties in developing age-appropriate expressive and receptive language skills. Reflecting the role of language in cognition, many children with DLD also experience difficulties in social cognition and learning. Specifically, challenges in facial emotion recognition, which is believed to be largely learned incidentally and even implicitly, are often reported. However, it remains unclear whether interventions aimed at improving this ability should be based on incidental, intentional, or a combination of both learning approaches. AIMS: This study compared the effectiveness of a single-session training focused on intentional learning (IntL), incidental learning (IncL), or a combination of both (COMB). METHOD: Children with DLD (N = 49; aged 9 -12 years) initially completed a facial emotion recognition task (ERT). Each child was then assigned to one of the three training conditions, which involved faces of different individuals displaying the two emotions most frequently confused during the ERT. The training required participants to match either the identity or emotional expression of faces showing the target emotions at 50 % intensity with those expressing the emotions at 100 % intensity. The conditions varied in the instructions provided, promoting either incidental or intentional learning. OUTCOMES: The post-training ERT revealed a significant reduction in incorrect recognition of the two most confused emotions in the COMB condition and particularly in the IncL condition. No significant reduction was observed in the IntL condition. IMPLICATIONS: These results support the potential -and perhaps even superiority- of training methods based on incidental associative learning for enhancing facial emotion recognition in children with DLD.
Determining the effectiveness of the QI-disability for assessing quality of life among children with complex needs accessing a specialist play provision.
McGrath N, Collins B, Astill F … +3 more , Maguire S, Kemp A, Hurt L
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41512424 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: NICE guidance emphasises improving wellbeing of children with disabilities and complex needs, including the benefits of participation in social activities. Sparkle, a charity in South Wales (UK), delivers spe...
BACKGROUND: NICE guidance emphasises improving wellbeing of children with disabilities and complex needs, including the benefits of participation in social activities. Sparkle, a charity in South Wales (UK), delivers specialist play and youth clubs for this group, aimed at providing equitable leisure opportunities and support to develop social skills and independence. Evidence suggests that quality of life for this group can be positively influenced by increasing access to social groups/clubs. AIMS: Explore the effectiveness & outcomes of the QI-Disability assessment of quality of life amongst children with complex needs within a larger evaluation of a specialist leisure provision. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A quantitative study using the QI-Disability questionnaire to evaluate the impact of a specialist leisure provision. Participants were recruited from the specialist leisure clubs in South Wales (2020-2022). Parents/carers completed the QI-Disability when their child with complex needs first accessed the clubs, then again after 6 and 12 months of participation. A descriptive analysis of the data is provided. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Six- and 12-month follow-up questionnaires were completed by 38 and 13 participants respectively. Results show an upwards trend in four domains of quality of life, however only one domain (positive emotions) significantly improved, according to a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings add to a growing body of evidence on the benefits of specialist leisure provisions to wellbeing for children with complex needs. Challenges such as a significant drop-off in participation and the need for methods that obtain meaningful feedback directly from children with communication difficulties are discussed. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS?: This paper explored the value of a validated questionnaire used to measure quality of life in children with disabilities amongst a group with varied and complex needs. The paper adds to the evidence surrounding the benefits of specialist leisure provision to the quality of life of children with disabilities. However, it also raises specific challenges of measuring quality of life amongst this group of children, and highlights research needs relating to meaningful feedback collection and evaluation of services.
Assistive technology for developmental conditions: A scientometric analysis.
Shermadhi D, Carollo A, Gaad E … +4 more , Dimitriou D, Nordahl-Hansen A, Iandolo G, Esposito G
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41512423 · Publisher ↗
Assistive technology plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with developmental conditions by fostering independence and addressing needs across physical, cognitive, and communicative domains. Despite its benefits...
Assistive technology plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with developmental conditions by fostering independence and addressing needs across physical, cognitive, and communicative domains. Despite its benefits, widespread adoption remains limited due to high costs, usability challenges, and limited real-world applicability. This study offers a comprehensive overview of assistive technology's role in the context of developmental conditions by outlining key research areas and influential publications. Using a scientometric approach, we examined 1322 documents from Scopus and their 44,699 references. Co-citation analysis revealed three main thematic clusters and identified four particularly impactful publications, with the most influential authored by Lancioni and Singh (2014). A qualitative analysis of the clusters highlighted three recurrent research themes: (1) communication and mobility in individuals with profound developmental conditions; (2) cognitive functions and autonomy in individuals with developmental and intellectual conditions; and (3) communication and social cognition in autism. These areas reflect the increasing integration of assistive technologies into therapeutic, educational, and daily life contexts, enhancing quality of life, autonomy, and social participation. Emerging research also underscores the ethical need to design technologies that respect the preferences and lived experiences of individuals with developmental conditions, avoiding the imposition of neurotypical norms. Co-participation in design is gaining prominence, promoting more personalized, inclusive, and neurodiversity-oriented approaches.
Validation of the Arabic version of the attitudes toward intellectual disability questionnaire (ATTID-AR).
Alnahdi GH, Morin D
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Feb · PMID 41506016 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The ability to examine people's attitudes about individuals with an intellectual disability is an important step toward their inclusion in society, as negative attitudes are one of the challenges to an inclus...
BACKGROUND: The ability to examine people's attitudes about individuals with an intellectual disability is an important step toward their inclusion in society, as negative attitudes are one of the challenges to an inclusive society. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the short version of the Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability (ATTID) questionnaire. METHODS: Participants were 903 who completed the Arabic version of the ATTID. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate the structural validity. Content validity was examined using expert ratings, and both concurrent and convergent validity were assessed via correlation analyses with existing instruments and demographic variables. RESULTS: The findings provided evidence of internal consistency based on Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Evidence related to internal structure, content, and relations to other variables was examined, yielding generally positive indications for the psychometric properties of the scores. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis indicated a five-domain structure consistent with the proposed model. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings provide evidence supporting the psychometric properties of the scores obtained from the Arabic short version of the ATTID for assessing multidimensional attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disabilities in Arabic-speaking populations.
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