Res Dev Disabil [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Wii-training improved cardiac autonomic control of children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial.
Cavalcante Neto JL, Tudella E, Machado LR … +4 more , Silva RADS, Menegat D, Silva E, Zamunér AR
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jan · PMID 41389644 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Randomized trials only compared the effects of Wii-training versus task specific training (TST) on motor skills outcomes in children with DCD. Effects on cardiac outcomes are not yet known. AIMS: To compare t...
BACKGROUND: Randomized trials only compared the effects of Wii-training versus task specific training (TST) on motor skills outcomes in children with DCD. Effects on cardiac outcomes are not yet known. AIMS: To compare the effects between Wii-training and TST on the cardiac autonomic control in children with DCD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-two children with DCD were randomly assigned to Wii-training or TST. Both groups received two 42-minute sessions per week for eight weeks. All children had their RR intervals recorded in supine and standing postures pre-and post-intervention. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was performed using spectral (LF, HF and LF/HF) and nonlinear analyses (Sample Entropy and DFA analyses, DFAα1 and DFAα2). RESULTS: Wii-training group significantly (p < 0.01) decreased, in supine, the LFnu (d=1.03), LF/HF (d=0.61), DFAα1 (d=0.76) and DFAα2 (d=1.89) indices, while increased HFnu (d=1.01). Regarding delta changes from supine to standing posture, Wii-training group significantly (p < 0.01) increased ∆LFnu (d=1.55), ∆LF/HF (d=1.14), ∆DFAα1 (d=1.13) and ∆DFAα2 (d=0.76), and decreased ∆HFnu (d=1.53) compared to the baseline. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Eight weeks of Wii-training was effective in improving cardiac autonomic control. Further studies should explore the mechanisms behind virtual reality principles to better understand the effects on cardiac autonomic control in DCD. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: This study shows that eight weeks of Wii-training improved cardiac autonomic control of children with DCD, while Task-specific training did not improve cardiac autonomic control of these children. Our results attested that Wii-training benefited the capacity to increase cardiac sympathetic and the parasympathetic modulation during standing in children with DCD. This information can be useful for therapists to include cardiac outcomes along with motor skills in the intervention programs for children with DCD, especially in those based on virtual reality tools.
Bridging internal states with music: An exploratory analysis of music-induced embodied emotion regulation in autistic youth and young adults.
Park M, Yoo GE
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jan · PMID 41386178 · Publisher ↗
Emotion dysregulation in autistic individuals often manifest as atypical reactivity or maladaptive expressions, frequently accompanied by dissociation or detachment from self-experiences, avoidance, suppression, or rigid...
Emotion dysregulation in autistic individuals often manifest as atypical reactivity or maladaptive expressions, frequently accompanied by dissociation or detachment from self-experiences, avoidance, suppression, or rigidity in response to external and internal experiences. These challenges highlight the need for population-specific approaches to emotion regulation (ER). This study explored the potential of music to integrate interoceptive and exteroceptive processes for embodied ER. We proposed the Music-Induced Embodied Emotion Regulation (M-EER) model, a conceptual framework that guides sequential regulation through synchronization with modulated musical stimuli, and outlined step-by-step procedures for its implementation. Pilot interventions were conducted with three autistic individuals, one youth and two young adults, aged 19-25. Each participated in two 1-hour trial sessions, including pre-intervention interviews. During structured M-EER sessions, participants engaged with sequentially modulated music and developed self-directed plans for applying ER in everyday life. Following the sessions, participants provided self-reports of their regulatory experiences, which were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to capture first-person perspectives. Findings suggest that the M-EER model facilitated regulated emotional changes by mapping sensory processing onto motor expression (e.g., instrument playing) and promoting embodied internal state shifts (e.g., arousal modulation). Empirical insights from lived experiences were summarized with the core themes of "agency in creating expressive space" and "music-self connection" emerged. The thematic framework of ER derived from this study suppots the role of music as a bridge between bottom-up sensory mechanisms and reflective, top-down processes (e.g., reflection on emotional changes). Although exploratory in scope, these findings also highlight the potential of the M-EER model as an integrative paradigm that combines structured clinical guidance with individual agency to address ER challenges on the autism spectrum, offering promising directions for future research and clinical application.
Application of machine learning to predict employment attainment among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lee CE, Koo J, Li C
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jan · PMID 41386177 · Publisher ↗
Promoting desirable employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been an important task for decades. However, the statistics indicate inequitable employment outcomes still exis...
Promoting desirable employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been an important task for decades. However, the statistics indicate inequitable employment outcomes still exist; including underrepresentation in the workforce and employment in a part-time, low-wage, and segregated setting. One way to address the gap is to review and promote individual and environmental characteristics that are related to enhanced employment outcomes. For this study, we used machine learning approaches to investigate the predictors of employment status in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities based on a national database in South Korea. All machine learning models employed in this study-specifically a Random Forest-accurately and consistently predicted employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The most important factors contributing to the model's predictive accuracy include employment capability, family support for employment, age, overall work ability, and daily living skills. Implications for practice and research are also discussed.
Effects of exercise interventions on motor coordination in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Peng C, He J, Xu K … +3 more , Wu X, Wang D, Zhang L
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jan · PMID 41386176 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Exercise interventions are recognized as an established therapeutic approach for children with DCD. This review aims to quantify the effectiveness of exercise interventions and examine the influence of potent...
BACKGROUND: Exercise interventions are recognized as an established therapeutic approach for children with DCD. This review aims to quantify the effectiveness of exercise interventions and examine the influence of potential moderating factors on outcomes. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and EBSCO from inception to November 1, 2025. All studies were rigorously screened based on predefined eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2 and ROBINS-I. Effect sizes were calculated as Hedges' g (g) and pooled under a random-effects model, and potential moderators were examined through subgroup and regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 40 studies involving 1655 participants were included, of which 24 were eligible for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that exercise interventions significantly enhanced motor coordination (g = 1.06, 95 % CI [0.57, 1.55], I² = 86.7 %), fine motor skills (g = 0.50, 95 % CI [0.24, 0.76], I² = 32.4 %), hand-eye coordination (g = 1.12, 95 % CI [0.70, 1.54], I² = 71.6 %), and balance (g = 0.54, 95 % CI [0.20, 0.88], I² = 77.3 %) in children with DCD. Subgroup analyses identified intervention setting, intervention approach, and study design as key moderating factors influencing the outcomes. Meta-regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between improvements in fine motor skills and both intervention duration (β = -0.0728, I² = 0 %) and the total number of sessions (β = -0.0129, I² = 0 %). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the efficacy of exercise interventions in enhancing motor coordination, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and balance in children with DCD. More rigorous experimental designs are needed to compare the effects of different intervention approaches and protocols, and to determine the optimal intervention dosage.
Futural anxiety and expectations of siblings of individuals with severe and multiple disabilities.
Eldeniz-Çetin M, Sardohan-Yıldırım AE, Çiftçi A … +1 more , Sivrikaya T
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jan · PMID 41380576 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Adult siblings often assume vital, long-term roles in supporting individuals with Severe and Multiple Disabilities in areas such as education, healthcare, and daily care. These responsibilities, while signi...
INTRODUCTION: Adult siblings often assume vital, long-term roles in supporting individuals with Severe and Multiple Disabilities in areas such as education, healthcare, and daily care. These responsibilities, while significant, are accompanied by emotional challenges, including anxiety and stress, which necessitate a deeper understanding to develop effective support systems. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the emotional experiences, future expectations, and caregiving responsibilities of adult siblings of individuals with Severe and Multiple Disabilities, specifically investigating their anxieties, expectations, and the roles they assume. METHODS: A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was conducted. Twelve adult siblings of individuals with Severe and Multiple Disabilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed to capture in-depth the lived experiences and personal meanings participants attribute to their roles. RESULTS: The analysis revealed three main themes: (1) Anxieties, with sub-themes of concerns related to education, independent living, care and health, and employment/leisure; (2) Expectations, with sub-themes of desires for systemic support in education, healthcare, independent living, and employment/leisure; and (3) Responsibilities, with sub-themes encompassing developmental support (e.g., educational help, care tasks) and the personal impact of these duties (e.g., internal conflict, social isolation, life choices). Participants reported that their involvement was essential but often led to emotional strain as they navigated balancing their own lives with their caregiving roles. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore that adult siblings are central yet vulnerable figures in the long-term care network for individuals with Severe and Multiple Disabilities. The study highlights a critical need for proactive, systemic support, including sibling-focused training, mental health resources, and inclusive policies, to mitigate anxieties, meet expectations, and sustainably empower siblings in their crucial roles. This contributes to a more nuanced understanding necessary for informing family-centered practices and policies. What this paper adds The findings underscore that adult siblings are central figures in the long-term care and support of individuals with severe disabilities. While their contributions are indispensable, insufficient institutional and emotional support can increase their stress and anxiety. Strengthening community and policy-based support mechanisms is critical to enhancing both sibling well-being and the quality of care provided to individuals with disabilities.
The relationship between reading motivation and reading comprehension in students with learning disabilities: The mediating effects of reading amount and strategy use.
Sanir H
Res Dev Disabil · 2026 Jan · PMID 41371005 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The present study is one of the first to investigate how intrinsic and extrinsic reading motivation influence reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities through the mediating roles of rea...
BACKGROUND: The present study is one of the first to investigate how intrinsic and extrinsic reading motivation influence reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities through the mediating roles of reading amount and strategy use. Although previous research has found consistent evidence for the effects of reading motivation on reading comprehension in students with learning disabilities. AIMS: This study investigates how intrinsic and extrinsic reading motivation influence reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities through the mediating roles of reading amount and reading strategies. METHOD: The sample of our study consisted of 154 eighth-grade students with learning disabilities from 150 schools. Data were analyzed using parallel multiple mediation analysis. RESULT: Results showed that intrinsic reading motivation was positively related to both reading amount and reading strategy use, whereas extrinsic reading motivation was negatively associated with strategy use and unrelated to reading amount. Reading comprehension was significantly linked to the use of reading strategies but not directly to intrinsic or extrinsic motivation, nor to reading amount. Intrinsic motivation had an indirect positive effect on reading comprehension via strategy use, while extrinsic motivation indirectly affected comprehension negatively through the same path. However, reading amount did not mediate the relationship between motivation and comprehension CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that interventions designed to improve the reading comprehension of students with learning disabilities may be more effective when they focus on enhancing intrinsic reading motivation and the use of reading strategies.
Exploring the types of assistive devices and methodological issues in children with developmental coordination disorder: A scoping review.
Fujiwara K, Irie K, Nakashima A … +4 more , Okamura R, Kamijo K, Iwanaga Y, Liang N
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41313886 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To comprehensively map the types of assistive devices implemented for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), regardless of setting, and clarify the methodologies used in these interventions. Sp...
PURPOSE: To comprehensively map the types of assistive devices implemented for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), regardless of setting, and clarify the methodologies used in these interventions. Specifically, we sought to answer the following questions: (1) What types of assistive devices are available for children with DCD? (2) What is known about the targeted participants, the purpose of using assistive devices, programs implemented, evaluations and results? (3) What are the current limitations of assistive devices, such as lack of tools for fine motor skills, limited focus on daily activities, and insufficient consideration of DCD pathophysiology? METHODS: This study's methodology was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. We screened articles, including RCTs, before-and-after comparisons, and single case studies published by May 10, 2024, using PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: We identified 546 English-language articles, of which 51 were included in the final eligibility criteria. We found that active video games, virtual reality, personal computer games, tablets, electronic pens, and robots served as assistive devices that can be used at home. Upon categorizing assistive devices based on their target symptoms (gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, and psychological), we observed that few types of assistive devices related to fine and coordinated movements, and none was designed based on the neurodevelopmental characteristics of DCD, such as impairments in motor planning, internal modeling, or brain function. CONCLUSION: We identified assistive devices used in DCD interventions, including several applicable to home settings. However, most devices targeted gross motor skills, with relatively few addressing fine hand motor movements. In the future, it is necessary to develop assistive devices that consider intervention models focusing on DCD pathophysiology and daily life.
Neural underpinnings of visuomotor adaptation and retention after a night of sleep in children with DCD.
Warlop G, Nijhof AD, Cracco E … +2 more , Wiersema JR, Deconinck FJA
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41275758 · Publisher ↗
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is often considered a motor learning disorder, yet supporting evidence remains limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to refine our understanding of motor learning in DCD by...
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is often considered a motor learning disorder, yet supporting evidence remains limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to refine our understanding of motor learning in DCD by examining its underlying mechanisms and stabilization of learning in later stages, beyond ad hoc learning. Visuomotor adaptation was assessed in a two-session experiment involving prolonged learning phases, separated by a night of sleep, in a centre-out drawing task, in 21 children with (age: 13.7 ± 1.5 years) and 15 without DCD (age: 14.2 ± 1.4 years). Neurophysiological responses to adaptation were evaluated through EEG-measured error-related negativity, indexing sensory prediction error processing. Sleep quality was assessed to explore potential sleep impairments in DCD. Results seem to suggest difficulty in early-stage adaptation in DCD, reflected by greater directional error. However, their performance stabilised after prolonged learning, and they successfully updated their internal model of action, indicated by similar after-effects in both groups. On day two, participants with DCD seem to face more difficulty re-adapting but still achieved stabilised performance. Crucially, despite on-task learning gains, they never reached the performance level of their neurotypical peers, plateauing with higher directional errors, possibly due to a noisier sensorimotor system, that accommodates less reliable motor prediction. Neurophysiological findings suggested reduced sensory prediction error sensitivity in DCD, particularly in participants with persistent motor difficulties. Although sleep disturbances were observed in DCD, no direct link with learning outcomes was found. Overall, this study suggests that motor control limitations, rather than a core learning deficit, constrain motor performance in children with DCD.
The evolving landscape: A bibliometric and visual analysis of language interventions research for children with ASD.
Zhang Y, Liu Y
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41275757 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study conducts a multi-database bibliometric analysis to map the intellectual landscape of language intervention research for children with ASD from 2001 to 2024, seeking to identify foundational and trendi...
PURPOSE: This study conducts a multi-database bibliometric analysis to map the intellectual landscape of language intervention research for children with ASD from 2001 to 2024, seeking to identify foundational and trending topics, map collaborative networks, and trace thematic evolution, thereby offering data-driven guidance for setting research priorities, fostering international cooperation, and informing clinical practice translation. METHODS: We systematically searched Web of Science Core Collection, EBSCOhost, and PubMed. After deduplication and screening, 2720 publications were retained for bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace. Co-citation analysis, time-zone map, burst detection, and network visualization identified research clusters and temporal evolution trajectories. RESULTS: Publications exhibited three distinct growth phases: initial exploration (2001-2012), accelerated expansion (2013-2017), and exponential growth (2018-2024). Ten major research clusters comprising 573 nodes demonstrated high structural validity (mean silhouette=0.835, modularity Q=0.812). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) exhibited the highest structural importance (burst=17.34, sigma=17.15), while computational methods, particularly machine learning (323 citations), showed rapid growth despite peripheral network positions (centrality=0.09), indicating they are emerging yet not central to the mainstream discourse. The United States dominated collaborative networks (betweenness=0.68, 57 connections), with emerging contributions from China, UK, and Canada. CONCLUSION: The temporal analysis reveals that the field has successfully navigated multiple paradigm expansions, evolving from initial behavioral approaches to encompass technological and neurobiological perspectives. Five emerging frontiers warrant strategic investment: computational-clinical integration, telehealth implementation science, AI-enhanced AAC systems, neurobiological phenotyping, and community-based early detection. Future research should prioritize implementation science, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and embed participatory principles.
The relation between Down syndrome and co-occurring conditions in children and young adults: A population-based cohort in Denmark, 1977-2016.
Yin C, Deng C, Crespi CM … +9 more , Bar S, Carey CD, Brickner ME, Chock E, Schafer EC, Barjaktarevic I, Inoue K, Hansen J, Heck JE
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41274232 · Full text
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recognizing the common co-occurring conditions among individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is essential for maintaining appropriate screening and optimizing healthcare resources. However, many pre...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recognizing the common co-occurring conditions among individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is essential for maintaining appropriate screening and optimizing healthcare resources. However, many previous studies relied on hospital- or community-based convenience samples with small sample sizes, limiting their generalizability. This study aimed to investigate the association between DS and co-occurring conditions in a large cohort of children and young adults. METHODS: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using Danish national registers. The cohort had 1779912 participants born from 1977 to 2013 including 1385 with DS. For congenital conditions, we estimated inverse-probability-weighted (IPTW) absolute prevalence and prevalence difference. Time to event analyses (proportional hazard regression and IPTW cumulative incidence function estimation) were utilized to estimate the association between DS and risk for non-congenital co-occurring conditions. Sub-analyses examined risks among individuals with leukemia and sex-specific differences. RESULTS: Analyses showed very large prevalence ratios for many congenital conditions, including atrioventricular septal defects (PD=0.181, 95 % CI: 0.162, 0.203; PR=489, 95 % CI: 425-562), atrial septal defects (PD=0.215, 95 % CI: 0.194, 0.238; PR=94, 95 % CI: 84-105), and tetralogy of Fallot (PD=0.020, 95 % CI: 0.014, 0.029; PR=67, 95 % CI: 45-99). Individuals with DS had higher risks for cardiovascular disorders: pulmonary hypertension (HR=103.44, 95 % CI: 71.26-150.15), and stroke (HR=6.50, 95 % CI: 3.09-13.65). Additionally, the diagnosis was associated with increased risks of autoimmune diseases including celiac disease (HR=14.03, 95 % CI: 10.65-18.49) and type 1 diabetes (HR=3.40, 95 % CI: 2.08-5.54). Positive associations were also found for cerebral palsy (HR=9.77, 95 % CI: 7.32-13.06), and respiratory failure (HR=12.97, 95 % CI: 9.30-18.10). At 30 years of follow-up, IPTW absolute risks illustrated the clinical burden: e.g., pulmonary hypertension (AR=0.028 vs AR=0.0002, RD=0.026, RR=138.50), keratoconus (AR=0.025 vs AR=0.006, RD=0.025, RR=43.19), and respiratory failure (AR=0.034 vs AR=0.002, RD=0.031, RR=13.98). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Individuals with DS have notably higher risks of many co-occurring conditions. Our findings suggest that attention should be given to the management of autoimmune and ophthalmologic conditions, particularly regarding their incidence patterns over time and by gender.
Diagnostic accuracy of AI-based models for autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis with a focus on Arab populations.
Aldakhil AF, Alasim KN
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41270703 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition globally, including in Arab countries, where stigma, limited awareness, and scarce specialized services often delay diagnosis and car...
BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition globally, including in Arab countries, where stigma, limited awareness, and scarce specialized services often delay diagnosis and care. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers scalable solutions for screening, early diagnosis, and intervention programmes. AIMS: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of AI-based models for ASD with a specific focus on Arab cohorts, and to appraise methodological quality and potential cultural influences on model performance. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2019 and September 2025. Eligible studies evaluated supervised AI systems, machine learning (ML), or deep learning (DL) that classify individuals as ASD versus non-ASD against a clinician-confirmed reference standard. Study quality was assessed using QUADAS-2. Diagnostic accuracy metrics (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio) were pooled using a bivariate random-effects model. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review; ten studies were eligible for meta-analysis (59 model evaluations; 26,569 instances), comparing AI models against clinician-confirmed autism diagnoses. Pooled sensitivity was 91.8 % (95 % CI [89.0, 94.2]) and specificity 90.7 % (95 % CI [87.6, 93.5]), yielding a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 109.0 (95 % CI [59.5, 227.9]), positive likelihood ratio (LR⁺) of 9.8, and negative likelihood ratio (LR⁻) of 0.09. Subgroup analysis revealed hybrid models (deep feature extractors with classical classifiers) achieved the highest accuracy (sensitivity 95.2 %, specificity 96.0 %), followed by conventional ML (sensitivity 91.6 %, specificity 90.3 %), and DL alone (sensitivity 87.3 %, specificity 86.0 %). In Arab-only cohorts, models showed higher sensitivity (94.2 %) but lower specificity (87.6 %), suggesting stronger rule-out potential but more false positives. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic meta-analysis of AI-based ASD diagnostics confirms high accuracy, with hybrid models excelling compared to both traditional ML and DL alone. In Arab cohorts, models showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity, highlighting the importance of cultural and linguistic tailoring of assessment tools, diagnostic protocols, and datasets, alongside regional challenges such as stigma and limited resources. These findings support AI as a valuable tool for early detection and screening.
Association between parent-reported level of physical activity and mobility performance in children with Down syndrome: A cross-sectional study.
Brugnaro BH, Campos R, Kraus de Camargo O … +2 more , Palisano RJ, Rocha NACF
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41253036 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with Down syndrome (DS) often face challenges maintaining adequate levels of physical activity, which might be associated with their mobility performance. Therefore, the objectives of this study were...
BACKGROUND: Children with Down syndrome (DS) often face challenges maintaining adequate levels of physical activity, which might be associated with their mobility performance. Therefore, the objectives of this study were i) to describe parent-reported physical activity level and performance of mobility of children with DS and ii) to explore relationship between parent-reported physical activity level and performance of mobility in children with Down syndrome. METHODS: For this observational and cross-sectional study, 48 children with DS (mean age: 10.50 ± 3.30) were assessed using the IPAQ-short version (parent-reported physical activity level) and the PEDI-CAT mobility (performance in mobility). Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test with a significance level of p < 0.05 using SPSS-V24.0 software. RESULTS: A significant positive association was found between parent-reported physical activity level and mobility performance (ρ (rho) = .323; p = .025). CONCLUSION: Higher physical activity level was associated with better mobility performance in daily living activities. Therefore, this finding supports the importance of promoting both aspects of functioning in children with DS.
Evaluating quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia: Guardian perspectives.
Alqazlan S
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41253035 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The concept of quality of life (QoL) is comprehensive and complex, particularly when considering people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Such individuals often face numerous challenges in their lives, whi...
BACKGROUND: The concept of quality of life (QoL) is comprehensive and complex, particularly when considering people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Such individuals often face numerous challenges in their lives, which adversely affect their overall QoL. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the QoL that Saudi children and young people with ID experience in terms of interpersonal relationships, self-determination, social inclusion, personal development, and emotional well-being. Additionally, the research considered several factors that could potentially influence these areas, including gender, family income, parents' education, and geographical location. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 142 children and young people with ID representing various regions of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The study established that Saudi Arabian children and adolescents with ID have, in general, a moderate QoL, with difficulties in social integration and emotional well-being. Self-determination and interpersonal relationships were found to be influenced by demographic characteristics, including the parents' educational background and gender, with girls exhibiting a higher level of self-determination. IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study have important implications for stakeholders, such as policymakers and parents, particularly regarding the areas where the QoL of individuals with ID may be enhanced. Furthermore, the results draw attention to the need for targeted interventions for boys, who were shown to have lower QoL.
RIDD DCD-14 special issue commentary.
Zwicker JG, Polatajko H
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41242202 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Enhancing quality of life: Insights from a family with inherited cases of blindness.
Alhusayni FAF, Alsoliman BSH
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41240464 · Publisher ↗
Improving quality of life (QoL) for individuals with blindness and visual impairment (BVI) is integral to encouraging their active participation in society, thereby promoting positive social change and creating a more pr...
Improving quality of life (QoL) for individuals with blindness and visual impairment (BVI) is integral to encouraging their active participation in society, thereby promoting positive social change and creating a more promising future. This qualitative study adopts an intrinsic case study design to explore a Saudi family comprising five highly educated members (one male and four females) who have inherited blindness. They live with their sighted parents and two siblings in the same house in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, and are professionally active as freelancers, advertisers, teachers, and postgraduate students. This approach was chosen to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of participants who are blind from birth (BfB), focusing on key factors that impact their QoL. Data were collected using a triangulated methodology, including in-depth semi-structured interviews, live recordings, and analysis of artefacts. Theoretical coding analysis revealed four main themes representing factors that impact QoL: (a) life orientation and mobility, (b) information accessibility, (c) employment opportunities, and (d) loneliness and social isolation. These themes encompassed 15 subthemes and 57 individual codes. Findings indicated that participants who are BfB demonstrate strong adaptive skills, digital independence, and psychological resilience, yet continue to confront barriers related to environmental accessibility, assistive technology, and workplace inclusion. A 3 × 4 conceptual model was developed to illustrate the factors influencing the QoL of BfB individuals. The study concludes by recommending solutions that promote the role of education and implementation to enhance QoL for all individuals with BVI.
Bridging the intention-behavior gap: The role of action planning in parental support for physical activity in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
Hu X, Huang J, Ku B … +2 more , Sean H, Li C
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41237508 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Parental support constitutes a critical determinant of physical activity (PA) engagement in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet its predictors remain understudied. Grounded in an...
BACKGROUND: Parental support constitutes a critical determinant of physical activity (PA) engagement in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet its predictors remain understudied. Grounded in an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, this study examines the sequential relationships between parental support intention, parental action planning, parental support, and PA in this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 164 parents/caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD in China. The parents/caregivers completed a survey form measuring key TPB constructs of interest. RESULTS: Only 18.3 % of children and adolescents with ASD met the WHO's recommended guideline of at least 60 min of daily PA. Path analysis revealed that parental support intentions directly predicted parental action planning (β = 0.52) and parental support (β = 0.34), while action planning mediated the intention-behavior relationship. Further, parental support mediated the intention-PA association (β = 0.41) and served as the critical pathway linking intention to children's PA through a chain mediation model (support intention → action planning → parental support → PA). CONCLUSION: The extended TPB model elucidates the mechanisms underlying parental support for children and adolescents with ASD. These findings underscore the necessity to strengthen parental intentions, develop actionable plans, and implement integrated support strategies for promoting PA in this population.
Economic inclusion and quality of life: Assessing the impact of integrating people with disabilities into Saudi Arabia's labor market.
Ahmed I, Mehrez K, Deriu S … +1 more , Socci C
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41223501 · Publisher ↗
The objective of this study is to examine the macroeconomic effects of disability-inclusive labor regulations in Saudi Arabia. A dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model is calibrated to a commodity-disaggregat...
The objective of this study is to examine the macroeconomic effects of disability-inclusive labor regulations in Saudi Arabia. A dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model is calibrated to a commodity-disaggregated Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). The study simulates two policy scenarios: a general employment quota and a service-sector-specific quota for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Each scenario is evaluated under different elasticity of substitution parameters (σ = 0.8, 1.0, 1.5) to capture the sensitivity of the economy to production flexibility. The findings indicate that both regulatory policies produce positive macroeconomic impacts, particularly in scenarios of low substitution elasticity, reflecting limited capacity of firms to replace PWD labor with alternative inputs. Under such conditions, increased PWD employment enhances real GDP, amplifies household consumption, stimulates investment, and yields GDP multipliers exceeding 2.0. Nevertheless, when production flexibility rises (σ = 1.5), the beneficial economic impacts diminish, resulting in GDP multipliers falling below 1.0, indicating less responsiveness and constrained supplementary employment or investment. The study highlights the importance of labor market structure in determining the effectiveness of inclusive employment policies. In less flexible production systems, disability inclusion fosters robust and sustainable economic benefits. In contrast, adaptable systems may necessitate supplementary measures to sustain the progress of labor inclusion and its impact on economic inclusion and quality of life.
Exploring the challenges and assistive technology for autistic job seekers across employment pathways.
Garrison E, MacNeil S, Hantula DA … +4 more , West M, Dragut E, Tincani M, Vucetic S
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41218397 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: When transitioning from high school, autistic job seekers often navigate three different pathways to employment: University, Job Coaching, and Self-Directed (defined as those job seekers who independently com...
BACKGROUND: When transitioning from high school, autistic job seekers often navigate three different pathways to employment: University, Job Coaching, and Self-Directed (defined as those job seekers who independently complete the job search process, without formal support). Assistive technology may aid job seekers throughout the job seeking process. The aim of this study is to learn more about the challenges and assistive technology that autistic job seekers encounter while navigating these three different employment pathways. METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen stakeholders in the United States, autistic job seekers and support personnel, within each pathway of the hiring process to gather information regarding the challenges autistic job seekers encounter, and the assistive technology they use to address those challenges. RESULTS: From a thematic analysis of these interviews, we found that autistic job seekers along each pathway commonly move through the following, phases of the hiring process or "checkpoints": resume building, networking, job search, job application, and interviews. Autistic job seekers also face challenges within each checkpoint, such as knowing when and what to disclose; self-efficacy, anxiety, and communication challenges; and a lack of communication from potential employers. We also learned that some self-directed autistic job seekers, when compared to those in the University and Job Coaching pathways, may not be using assistive technologies available in the job search process. From our interviews, we also learned the types of assistive technology that autistic job seekers and assistants use in the job seeking process which can be classified as organizational tools, connectivity tools, and visual media tools. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our findings revealed a necessity to connect self-directed autistic job seekers to assistive technology available. Based on these results, we present suggestions for future research and design suggestions for developing assistive technology for autistic job seekers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS?: We define three career pathways for autistic job seekers: University, Job Coaching and Self Directed. To learn more about the hiring process for autistic job seekers and the assistive technology used within each pathway, we conducted a need-finding study. As a contribution of this study, we discovered challenges along each checkpoint in the hiring process, as well as various forms of assistive technology used to support autistic job seekers when encountering those challenges. For our second contribution, we use the information from these interviews to provide suggestions for the design of future assistive technology within the hiring process, potentially supporting the self-efficacy of autistic job seekers, during this process.
Gender-specific insights on parenting children with rare diseases through multiple mediation analyses within the double ABCX model.
Boettcher J, Zapf H, Hohmann S … +4 more , Daubmann A, Denecke J, Muntau AC, Wiegand-Grefe S
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41218396 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: While the double ABCX model has been evaluated in various contexts, large-scale studies on gender among parents of children with rare diseases remain scarce. OBJECTIVE: To examine the applicability of the dou...
BACKGROUND: While the double ABCX model has been evaluated in various contexts, large-scale studies on gender among parents of children with rare diseases remain scarce. OBJECTIVE: To examine the applicability of the double ABCX model within a large-scale sample of mothers and fathers of children diagnosed with rare diseases. METHODS: The potential predictors of parental mental health in a multicenter study of n = 668 mothers and n = 461 fathers of children with rare diseases were investigated. Factors contributing to parental adaptation (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) within the double ABCX model were investigated cross-sectionally using multiple mediation modeling. RESULTS: In mothers, relevant associations were found among stressor pile-up, social support, parental relationships, coping, stress, and mental health. Similar relevant associations were observed in fathers, except for coping. For mothers, the association between stressor pile-up and symptoms of anxiety was fully mediated by coping and stress. In contrast, the association with symptoms of depression was fully mediated by social support, coping, and stress. For fathers, the association between stressor pile-up and symptoms of anxiety as well as depression was complementary mediated through stress. CONCLUSION: Our findings contribute to the existing literature by illuminating gender-specific differences in parental symptoms of anxiety and depression, suggesting that tailored emotion regulation programs could effectively alleviate these issues. By emphasizing these dynamics, we highlight the importance of personalized approaches in addressing the unique challenges faced by parents of different genders.
Exploring the usefulness of companion pet ownership in the everyday functioning of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United Arab Emirates: A qualitative focus-group study.
Almarzooqi SA, Efstratopoulou M, Habeeb H … +1 more , Opoku M
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41218395 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Despite the global recognition of the benefits of companion pet ownership, there is a lack of research exploring this phenomenon in an Arabic-speaking context such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study f...
PURPOSE: Despite the global recognition of the benefits of companion pet ownership, there is a lack of research exploring this phenomenon in an Arabic-speaking context such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study fills the knowledge gap by exploring the usefulness of pet ownership on the social skills, communication, emotional and physical well-being of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the UAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study employs a phenomenological research design, utilizing focus-group discussions with 12 mothers of children diagnosed with ASD who own pets. The parents participated in the focus group discussions to understand the usefulness of pet ownership to their children with ASD. RESULTS: Findings are categorized into three primary themes: enhancement of social interaction and communication skills, improvement in emotional well-being, and encouragement of physical activity. For instance, the presence of pets, especially dogs, significantly boosts social engagement and non-verbal communication, reduces anxiety and stress, and increases physical activity among children with ASD. CONCLUSION: Companion pet ownership may inform family-centered routines for children with ASD in the UAE. Future work should assess the feasibility of structured animal-assisted interventions (AAI), which are distinct from household pet ownership.
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