Res Dev Disabil [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Early cognitive predictors of mathematical learning disabilities: A longitudinal study from kindergarten to second grade.
Peake C, Rodríguez C, Sepúlveda F … +2 more , Ferreira RA, Guzmán B
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41207131 · Publisher ↗
There is an ongoing debate about the aetiological origin of mathematical learning disabilities (MLD), particularly concerning whether the difficulties shown by these children stem from general or specific cognitive facto...
There is an ongoing debate about the aetiological origin of mathematical learning disabilities (MLD), particularly concerning whether the difficulties shown by these children stem from general or specific cognitive factors. This debate underscores the importance of identifying early cognitive deficits in MLD, which may lead to better early detection and intervention practices. The objective of this research was to identify early general and/or specific cognitive deficits in children with MLD from a longitudinal perspective. We specifically aimed to test domain-general cognitive deficits as well as symbolic versus non-symbolic domain-specific deficits as early precursors of MLD. A total of 226 children were assessed in kindergarten using domain-general and domain-specific cognitive tasks and were followed up to the second year of primary school, at which point 14 were identified as having MLD (scoring below the 10th percentile in a standardized math task). Results of a logistic regression indicated that symbolic comparison, number identification, and working memory (specifically the executive component) were significant early longitudinal predictors of MLD. Implications for early identification are discussed.
Stressful life experiences and mental health symptoms in adults with down syndrome.
Hickey EJ, Greenlee JL, Jenkins MR … +5 more , Schworer EK, Brothers CE, Hom CL, Handen BL, Hartley SL
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41205444 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a robust predictor of later mental health symptoms in the general population, and set individuals up for stressful life events in adulthood. There is a paucity of rese...
BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a robust predictor of later mental health symptoms in the general population, and set individuals up for stressful life events in adulthood. There is a paucity of research on whether these associations are also observed in adults with Down syndrome. The current study examined the prevalence of ACEs and their association with later adult stressful life events and mental health symptoms in a cohort of adults with Down syndrome (n = 157). METHODS: A family member or caregiver who was familiar with the adult with Down syndrome's history and current functioning completed measures. Linear regressions were used to examine the relation between ACEs and significant life events in adulthood, anxiety, depression, and maladaptive behaviors, adjusting for age, sex, and level of intellectual disability. The moderation effect of ACEs on the association between significant life events and adult mental health outcomes was also tested. RESULTS: Experiencing a higher number of ACEs was associated with experiencing a higher number of significant life events (β=0.27, p = .006), and higher anxiety (β = 0.24, p = .007) and maladaptive behavior (β = 0.33, p < .001) in adulthood. ACEs also moderated the relation between significant life events and depression (β =.32, SE =.07, t = 3.13, p = .002) in adulthood. CONCLUSION: Adults with Down syndrome who experienced more (versus less) ACEs were more likely to experience significant life events in adulthood, such as hospitalizations, interpersonal conflict, and job transitions. Moreover, these events appear to take a greater toll on the mental health of adults with Down syndrome if they had a history of more ACEs.
Structural validity of the MABC-2 in European and African children: An analysis of age band 2.
Verbecque E, Coetzee D, Valtr L … +3 more , Bonney E, Ituen O, Smits-Engelsman B
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41205443 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition (MABC-2) is a widely used motor assessment tool for identifying Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). However, the structural validity of the MAB...
BACKGROUND: The Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition (MABC-2) is a widely used motor assessment tool for identifying Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). However, the structural validity of the MABC-2 remains underinvestigated, particularly in children aged 7-10, when DCD is most frequently diagnosed. The primary aim of this study was to examine the structural validity of the MABC-2 in European and African children aged 7-10 years. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a dataset (n = 3025) including African and European children. The test-defined three-domain structure was assessed with higher-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, Asymptotically Distribution-free estimation). Next, the dataset was randomly divided in two: exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using oblique rotation was conducted in one half of the sample, and these factors were then reassessed with CFA in the other half. RESULTS: Multiple group comparison yielded the need for separate analyses per continent. The test-defined structure was not confirmed in either European or African children. Instead, EFA identified a four-domain structure in both subsamples. The drawing trail (item 3) did not fit any CFA model and was therefore removed from the final model. In the European sample, the dynamic balance domain had the strongest loadings onto the total score, while "eye-hand/eye-foot coordination" showed the strongest loadings in the African sample. CONCLUSION: A four-domain structure appears to underlie the MABC-2 in a large sample of European and African children. Factor loadings shifted slightly depending on the subsample, further underscoring the need for region-specific normative data, which should be considered in future standardization procedures.
Early predictors of pragmatic language competence: A longitudinal study.
Øien RA, Myre K, Pettersen AH … +5 more , Brandlistuen RE, Schjølberg S, Nordahl-Hansen A, Volkmar FR, Larsen K
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41202430 · Publisher ↗
Pragmatic language competence-the ability to use language effectively in social contexts-is foundational for communication, learning, and social integration. Difficulties in pragmatics are not only a hallmark of autism s...
Pragmatic language competence-the ability to use language effectively in social contexts-is foundational for communication, learning, and social integration. Difficulties in pragmatics are not only a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but are also prevalent across developmental disabilities, including ADHD, developmental language disorder, and intellectual disability. Such deficits predict long-term challenges in adaptive functioning, peer relationships, and educational attainment. This longitudinal study investigates early predictors of pragmatic language competence in middle childhood (age 8.5), using developmental data from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the Language-8 study. We examined social-communicative behaviors at 18 and 36 months-specifically joint attention, declarative pointing, and imitation-using items from the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Results indicate that early joint attention and social responsiveness significantly predict later pragmatic competence, even in a community sample without clinical diagnoses. These findings highlight pragmatic language difficulties as a transdiagnostic marker of developmental vulnerability and underscore the importance of early identification and intervention. By clarifying early predictors, this research informs both developmental science and special education practice, strengthening pathways for early support to children at risk of communication and social challenges.
Patterns of social participation among people with developmental disabilities and associated factors in South Korea.
Park SK, Cho JH, Lee H … +1 more , Kim SH
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41197558 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Despite growing interest in expanding the scope of social participation from passive to active, few studies have empirically examined participation patterns among people with developmental disabilities (DD),...
BACKGROUND: Despite growing interest in expanding the scope of social participation from passive to active, few studies have empirically examined participation patterns among people with developmental disabilities (DD), particularly in South Korea. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) identify latent classes of social participation among individuals with DD and (2) examine demographic, physiological, and psychosocial characteristics associated with each class. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2020 Survey of Work and Life with Developmental Disabilities in South Korea (N = 3000). Latent Class Analysis (LCA), using 14 indicators of social participation, identified subgroups. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression examined the associations between class membership and demographic, physiological, and psychosocial characteristics. RESULTS: The LCA identified four social participation classes: (1) active involvement (21.8 %), characterized by high functioning and diverse social engagement; (2) moderately active involvement (11.6 %), with relatively high engagement in cultural and leisure activities despite lower ADL/IADL functioning and self-determination; (3) passive involvement (40.1 %), with low social participation despite fewer daily functioning difficulties; and (4) social exclusion (26.5 %), marked by major difficulties in both daily and social activities. Multinomial regression analysis showed that the active or moderately active involvement classes were more likely to report individuals aged 10-30, with a college education, high smartphone proficiency, good health, mild disabilities, and high family support than the social exclusion class. Interestingly, the moderately active involvement class was more likely to be teens and at risk of discrimination compared to the social exclusion class, while the passive involvement class was more likely to be over 40 compared to the other three classes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of considering the unique characteristics of each class in effectively promoting active social participation among individuals with DD.
Youth with ADHD, autism or comorbid ADHD and autism in Iceland: Comparisons of attentional and cognitive profiles and the effects of anxiety on cognitive performance.
Ingadottir TR, Jonsdottir H, Jarrett MA … +1 more , Hannesdottir DK
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41187695 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Attentional and cognitive profiles of youth diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or co-occurring ADHD and ASD were examined in a large, nationwide cl...
BACKGROUND: Attentional and cognitive profiles of youth diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or co-occurring ADHD and ASD were examined in a large, nationwide clinical sample in Iceland. The impact of anxiety disorders on cognitive performance in this neurodiverse sample was also examined. METHODS: Clinical medical records at a government-run assessment center serving youth from all of Iceland comprised the study sample of 872 youth aged 7-18 years. All participants had been diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, or ADHD+ASD without intellectual impairment; of these, 239 youth were also diagnosed with co-occurring anxiety. All participants completed the Wechsler´s Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) and the Conners Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (CPT-3) as part of their diagnostic process. RESULTS: Results indicated that children with ADHD+ASD performed better on the Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) on the WISC-IV compared with children with ADHD but showed no difference compared to the ASD only group. On the CPT, differences emerged for children with ADHD, who showed more variability in their performance compared with children with ASD or ADHD+ASD. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD and/or ASD) and a co-occurring anxiety disorder performed worse on the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) on the WISC-IV. Still, they performed better on the CPT compared with children with neurodevelopmental disorders without anxiety. CONCLUSION: The findings reveal patterns of cognitive performance for children with ASD and/or ADHD with co-occurring anxiety disorders that need to be considered for appropriate accommodation in clinical, teaching and testing approaches for neurodiverse children.
Improving prognostication for individuals with FOXP1 syndrome: Parent-reported practical and social skills in 52 individuals.
Koene S, Rothuizen-Lindenschot M, Ropers FG … +5 more , Santen GWE, Braden R, Morgan A, Wieland J, van Gameren-Oosterom HBM
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41175749 · Publisher ↗
Parents perceive a lack of prognostic information among the most challenging consequences of having a child with a rare disease. Although the medical phenotype of FOXP1 syndrome, including neurodevelopmental delay, speec...
Parents perceive a lack of prognostic information among the most challenging consequences of having a child with a rare disease. Although the medical phenotype of FOXP1 syndrome, including neurodevelopmental delay, speech impairment, psychiatric problems and congenital malformations is becoming clearer, there is little detailed information about the acquisition of activities of daily living. This study aimed to provide a detailed picture of practical and daily social skills development in individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. In this cross-sectional study, parents were invited to complete an online questionnaire about the medical issues, milestones and practical abilities of their child with FOXP1 syndrome (n = 52, age 2-54 years). We found that individuals with FOXP1 syndrome have great difficulties with both basic and instrumental activities of daily living, but continue to develop their skills into adulthood. Although most individuals learn to perform some basic daily living tasks independently, the majority heavily rely on their parents, many needing 24-7 supervision to support many aspects of daily life up to adulthood. The results of this study can be used to counsel parents after a diagnosis of FOXP1. We include a visual representation of the results for parents in the Supplementary file.
A proposed AI application for enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.
Aloudah NS, Alshehri MS, Alhamad AR
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41175748 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant potential to enhance the quality of life (QoL) for individuals with disabilities by improving access to healthcare, promoting social participation, and supportin...
BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant potential to enhance the quality of life (QoL) for individuals with disabilities by improving access to healthcare, promoting social participation, and supporting independence. In Saudi Arabia, however, there is a gap in inclusive AI models tailored to local needs, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing essential services. AIMS: This article proposes an AI-supported application tailored to improve key QoL dimensions such as healthcare accessibility, social inclusion, and autonomy for people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A qualitative design was employed, involving 25 semi-structured interviews: 10 experts from medicine, rehabilitation, sociology, and AI and 15 individuals with visual, motor, or mild cognitive disabilities. Participants were recruited through rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and disability associations in Al-Ahsa using official approvals and direct outreach via email, WhatsApp, and personal meetings. Thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's framework. RESULTS: The proposed AI application supports three key service areas: (1) social services (personalized chatbots, accessibility tools, and AI-driven job matching); (2) health services (telehealth monitoring and genetic-based treatment planning); (3) collaboration with ministries and AI authorities. Sustainability is addressed through measures such as free access, institutional support, and ongoing government involvement. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a context-specific, actionable AI framework to inform policy and innovation for disability inclusion in Saudi Arabia. By emphasizing local needs, stakeholder collaboration, and user-centered adaptive design, it contributes to closing the service gap for people with disabilities and offers a scalable model for inclusive digital transformation.
Psychometric validation of the Barkley SCT (sluggish cognitive tempo) scale in Turkish adolescents: Assessing SCT in a clinically referred, culturally distinct population.
Gül H, Gül A, Ateş BÖ … +2 more , Hekim Ö, Taş Torun Y
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41172936 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is characterized by excessive daydreaming, lethargy, slowed thinking, and mental confusion. This study aimed to examine the factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the...
OBJECTIVE: Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is characterized by excessive daydreaming, lethargy, slowed thinking, and mental confusion. This study aimed to examine the factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the Turkish version of the Barkley SCT Scale in a clinically referred adolescent sample, and to explore its distinctiveness from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. METHODS: The sample included 252 adolescents (aged 11-18, 71 % female) who completed the Turkish-adapted Barkley SCT Scale and the Conners-Wells Adolescent Self-Report Scale (CASS-S). A subsample of 20 adolescents completed the SCT scale again after one week for test-retest analysis. Data were analyzed using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM), Cronbach's alpha, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs). Convergent validity and gender differences were also assessed. RESULTS: ESEM supported a two-factor structure, comprising Daydreaming (items 1-5) and Sluggishness (items 6-9), with excellent model fit (RMSEA =.044; CFI =.974; TLI =.964). Internal consistency was good for the total scale (α =.82) and acceptable for both subscales. Test-retest analyses showed moderate stability for single administrations (ICC =.454) and excellent reliability when repeated scores were aggregated (ICC =.937). Daydreaming was strongly associated with cognitive problems/inattention (r = .652), while Sluggishness showed weaker or nonsignificant correlations with hyperactivity/impulsivity, supporting SCT's distinction from externalizing ADHD features. Females scored significantly higher than males on both SCT subscales. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the Barkley SCT Scale demonstrates sound psychometric properties for assessing SCT in adolescents. ESEM findings underscore the multidimensionality of SCT and its partial dissociation from ADHD constructs. While these results support the scale's clinical utility within the Turkish context, further cross-cultural research is needed to determine whether similar findings would emerge in other populations. This study provides an initial foundation for future diagnostic and intervention research.
Transition services for secondary students with moderate intellectual disability in Saudi Arabia: What parents and special education teachers say.
Alshuayl MS
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 41172935 · Publisher ↗
Over the years, policies supporting the provision of services that facilitate a smooth transition to adult life for students with intellectual disability (ID) have increasingly gained attention in the United States of Am...
Over the years, policies supporting the provision of services that facilitate a smooth transition to adult life for students with intellectual disability (ID) have increasingly gained attention in the United States of America. However, the same level of importance placed on postschool outcomes for secondary students with ID has not yet been achieved in Saudi Arabia, despite it being a high-income country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the provision of transition services to adult life for secondary students with moderate ID in Saudi Arabia. Over 4 months, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, including six parents of students with moderate ID and six male special education teachers who were teaching their sons. Five themes emerged from the participants' comments, including (a) knowledge about transition services, (b) familiarity with transition-related evidence-based practices, (c) the provision of transition services, (d) support needed to improve the quality of services, and (e) long-term outcomes expected from transition services. When considered collectively, four issues warrant discussion including (a) special education teachers' lack of pedagogical knowledge related to the transition to adult life, (b) a systemic lack of services that reflect pedagogical knowledge related to the transition to adult life, (c) insufficient infrastructure to establish and maintain services for transition to adult life, and (d) a societal lack of hope for long-term outcomes. The researcher discusses the findings, shares their implications, delineates the limitations of this study, and outlines recommendations for future research.
Linking cognitive flexibility, planning, and autistic traits: The mediating role of cognitive abilities.
Anderle F, Barbieri R, Pasqualotto A … +2 more , Bentenuto A, Venuti P
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41160971 · Publisher ↗
Autistic children often face cognitive challenges, particularly in executive functions (EFs). Previous research has explored the relationship between EFs and autistic traits, including social abilities and restricted and...
Autistic children often face cognitive challenges, particularly in executive functions (EFs). Previous research has explored the relationship between EFs and autistic traits, including social abilities and restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs). While some consistencies emerge from ecologically valid ratings, results from performance-based measures and studies combining lab tasks with parent reports remain inconsistent. This study investigated associations between EFs and autistic traits, focusing on the mediating role of cognitive abilities. We assessed 110 autistic participants aged 4-17 years (33 with IQ <85; 77 with IQ ≥85) using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, including the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), performance-based EF tasks (WCST, TOL), clinician ratings (ADOS-2), and parent-reported measures (SRS-2). Results showed significant links between cognitive flexibility and clinician-observed RRBs, and between planning skills and parent-reported autistic traits. Notably, cognitive abilities mediated the relationships of cognitive flexibility and planning with clinician-rated social-communication skills. Lower IQ participants performed worse on most EF measures, except for errors in shifting and planning task timing. Clinicians reported lower social scores only in the lower IQ group. These findings reveal inconsistencies in convergence between performance-based EF measures and autistic traits from parent and clinician reports. Importantly, cognitive abilities play a significant role in clinical assessments of EF and socio-communication, highlighting the need for more sensitive and ecologically valid neuropsychological tools. Conversely, cognitive skills did not influence clinician-rated RRBs or parent reports, suggesting these behaviours may be independent of broader cognitive abilities.
Perspectives on family wellbeing among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in the Arab World.
Alnahdi G, Hassanein EEA, Adawi TR
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41160970 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study investigates Family Quality of Life (FQoL) among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities across three Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar. METHOD: Data were collected from 373...
BACKGROUND: This study investigates Family Quality of Life (FQoL) among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities across three Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar. METHOD: Data were collected from 373 mothers using the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. Repeated measures ANOVA and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess differences across FQoL domains and identify associated demographic predictors. RESULTS: Results reveal varying levels of satisfaction across FQoL domains, with Family Interaction scoring the highest and Emotional Wellbeing the lowest. Factors such as the mother's age, the child's disability severity, and country of residence significantly influence satisfaction levels in some domains. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of culturally responsive supports, particularly in the emotional domain, and suggest that tailored interventions addressing demographic and contextual factors may enhance the well-being of mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in the Arab region.
Closing measurement gaps in FQoL - A content validity study of a FQoL instrument for families of children with disabilities living in the rural highlands of Peru.
Guerrero F, Kramer J, Alvarado M … +4 more , Myers CT, Harris V, Hartinger S, Maeusezahl D
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41160969 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Measuring Family Quality of Life (FQoL) is recognized as key to understanding needs and supporting families of children with disabilities (CwD). This study performs initial steps to developing a culturally...
INTRODUCTION: Measuring Family Quality of Life (FQoL) is recognized as key to understanding needs and supporting families of children with disabilities (CwD). This study performs initial steps to developing a culturally relevant FQoL instrument for low-resource communities in developing nations by examining the content validity (comprehension, relevance, and comprehensiveness) of a battery of items from existing FQoL instruments with families of CwD in the highlands of Peru. METHODS: Cognitive interviews were conducted using a battery of 59 items with twenty caregivers with at least one child with a disability (M=40.4 years, 85 % female, 90 % lived in poverty, 70 % had elementary education or lower). For comprehension, researchers coded the caregivers' responses to determine if they were understood as intended. For relevance, caregivers rated the importance of each item, and reasons for unanswered items were documented. For comprehensiveness, caregivers identified any missing concepts. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 59 items met the comprehension criterion. Reasons for misinterpretation included item complexity, vague language, use of paradigms unknown to families, and differences in health and disability service systems. All items but one met criteria for relevance, and 16 items could not be administered to some caregivers because of family and child characteristics. Caregivers identified six concepts missing from the item set. DISCUSSION: To ensure a content-valid assessment of FQoL for families of CwD, items must be revised to ensure comprehension and comprehensiveness. Administrative and item development recommendations are provided for the validity of using a FQoL instrument in low-resource settings in developing nations.
Preserved phonological but impaired semantic processing in Williams syndrome: Evidence from a word association judgment task.
Hippolyte A, Majerus S, Marec-Breton N … +2 more , Declercq C, Ibernon L
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41151187 · Publisher ↗
Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting intellectual, cognitive, and language development. We re-examined the phonological-semantic imbalance hypothesis by probing phonological and seman...
Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting intellectual, cognitive, and language development. We re-examined the phonological-semantic imbalance hypothesis by probing phonological and semantic processing abilities within the same task context, in 19 children with WS and 57 typically developing (TD) children. Participants saw pictures pairs, heard their names, and indicated whether the words were related; the words, if related, shared either phonological or semantic features. Using a generalized linear mixed model, results showed that WS children exhibited a stronger preference for phonological associations over semantic associations, compared to TD children, after controlling for general verbal or non-verbal abilities. Both groups showed similar sensitivity to phonological relations, but WS children showed reduced sensitivity to semantic ones. This pattern suggests that WS individuals have a less developed or an atypical semantic network, emphasizing the need for language intervention to focus on semantic levels of processing.
Saudi teachers' attitudes toward community-based vocational instruction for secondary students with intellectual disabilities.
Almalky HA
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41138400 · Publisher ↗
Community-Based Vocational Instruction (CBVI) offers students with intellectual disabilities (ID) authentic, work-site learning experiences that support meaningful employment and social inclusion. This national survey ex...
Community-Based Vocational Instruction (CBVI) offers students with intellectual disabilities (ID) authentic, work-site learning experiences that support meaningful employment and social inclusion. This national survey examined the attitudes of Saudi secondary special-education teachers toward CBVI and the demographic, institutional, and regional factors influencing their perspectives. Data were collected from 139 teachers (response rate = 38.6 %). Teachers expressed strongly positive attitudes overall (M = 4.44, SD = 0.38), with female teachers reporting significantly higher scores than males (t(137) = -2.01, p = .047, d = 0.38). No other demographic or contextual variables produced statistically significant differences. The findings suggest that Saudi teachers are ready and willing to implement CBVI. The study discusses implications for teacher training, policy alignment with Vision 2030, and multi-agency collaboration to enhance employment pathways for youth with ID.
"I love it…I love that story": The perspectives of children with Down syndrome and their mothers on reading experiences at home.
Cebula K, McGeown S
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41138399 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Home literacy practices play an important role in shaping the reading development of children with Down syndrome. However, the majority of research to date has been quantitative in nature, and very little has in...
PURPOSE: Home literacy practices play an important role in shaping the reading development of children with Down syndrome. However, the majority of research to date has been quantitative in nature, and very little has included children's own perspectives and experiences. This study aimed to provide new research insights into the home literacy practices and reading experiences of children with Down syndrome, from the perspective of the children and their parents. METHODS: There were 19 participants from ten families: ten mothers participated in semi-structured interviews, exploring their views of their child's reading experiences and how they supported their child's reading development; nine children with Down syndrome (aged 5-13 years) participated in a 'book tour' and conversation about reading. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes from the mothers' data, and children's data were categorised. RESULTS: Mothers and children both described a diversity of reading experiences within the home. Mothers also highlighted: reading as a source of comfort and connection; the need for flexible and child-led reading routines and strategies which respond to the individual child and their developmental stage; and the complexities of navigating book choice and format. Children also shared clear and positive views about particular books and about being read to by family members. CONCLUSION: While some home-based reading practices and experiences share parallels with neurotypical children, many related more specifically to Down syndrome, and highlight the importance of syndrome-specific explorations of reading which focus on understanding both socio-affective and cognitive aspects of reading development and experience.
Mother-infant interactions in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy compared to a low-risk group: A longitudinal study of the first 15 months.
Hansen JE, Schuengel C, Willemen A … +3 more , Stuart A, Væver MS, Røhder K
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41129962 · Publisher ↗
AIM: To examine group differences and longitudinal trajectories in mother-infant interactions following an interim clinical diagnosis of high risk of CP up to 15 months corrected age. METHOD: This prospective observation...
AIM: To examine group differences and longitudinal trajectories in mother-infant interactions following an interim clinical diagnosis of high risk of CP up to 15 months corrected age. METHOD: This prospective observational study followed infants born in Denmark with (n = 23) or without (n = 36) identified high risk of cerebral palsy and their parents over time. Mother-infant interactions were assessed at 15 weeks, 9 months, and 15 months using the Coding Interactive Behavior manual. Group differences and trajectories in mother-infant interactions were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with bootstrapping to obtain robust estimates RESULTS: At 15 weeks (T1), the high-risk CP group differed significantly from the comparison group on all observed interactional dimensions, showing lower levels of maternal acknowledging (b = -0.93, p < .001), infant social initiation (b = -0.54, p = .007), and dyadic reciprocity (b = -0.58, p = .041), and higher levels of maternal intrusiveness (b = 1.04, p < .001) and dyadic constriction (b = 0.73, p = .018). While differences in maternal acknowledging and dyadic reciprocity were only present at 15 weeks, maternal intrusiveness and infant social initiation differences were present at 15 weeks and 15 months. Dyadic constriction differences were present across all time points. CONCLUSION: Early differences in mother-infant interaction between dyads with and without infant CP risk underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to read and respond to subtle infant cues. Supporting the parent-infant relationship from early infancy might enhance the effectiveness of early intervention and promote more optimal socio-emotional development.
The effects of a group-based laughter yoga intervention on mood, anxiety and loneliness in adolescents with mild intellectual or developmental disabilities: A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Lee RLT, Ho LLK, Lam SKK … +7 more , Chan DNS, Fung KHK, Hung TTM, Stubbs M, Tang ACY, Choi KC, Leung AWY
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41109062 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Mental wellbeing of children and adolescents continues to be a global concern. Those with intellectual or developmental disabilities are at high risk for anxiety disorders and depression. AIM: While currently...
BACKGROUND: Mental wellbeing of children and adolescents continues to be a global concern. Those with intellectual or developmental disabilities are at high risk for anxiety disorders and depression. AIM: While currently there is limited attention on their mental health needs, this study aimed to explore the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of a laughter yoga (LY) intervention and to assess its preliminary effects on mood, anxiety and loneliness among children and adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. METHODS: This was a pilot randomized controlled trial with pretest and posttest design. We recruited 45 children and adolescents aged 10-19 years with intellectual or developmental disabilities in one special school in Hong Kong. They were randomly assigned to either the 8-session LY intervention group (n = 22) or the control group that received no intervention (n = 23). Outcome assessments for mood, anxiety and loneliness were performed at baseline and immediate post-intervention. Data was analyzed using Independent t-test, Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: At post-intervention, the LY intervention group showed significant reductions in trait anxiety (Hedges'g=0.32; 95 %CI: -0.28-0.92) and loneliness (Hedges'g=0.47, 95 %CI: -0.16-1.10) compared with the usual care control group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our findings support the feasibility and preliminary effects of LY in improving mental wellbeing among adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A larger-scale trial is warranted to confirm the effects of the LY intervention. Health educators may consider integrating LY intervention into school health programs to enhance the mental wellbeing of this vulnerable population.
Portuguese validation of the Italian BASIQ quality of life assessment battery and implications for health resource consumption.
Pereira JL, Nogueira D, Bianco A … +1 more , Bertelli M
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41109061 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Quality of Life (QoL) is increasingly important in evaluating health interventions...
INTRODUCTION: Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Quality of Life (QoL) is increasingly important in evaluating health interventions and support programs, helping improve resource allocation. In the context of ID, Generic QoL is considered a more valuable measure than Health-Related QoL. OBJECTIVES: This study has two main goals: a) to adapt and validate the Italian BASIQ instrument for assessing QoL in adults with ID for European Portuguese, and b) to analyse the relationship between QoL and health resource consumption in people with ID living in residential facilities. METHODS: The instrument combines quantitative and qualitative measures, assessing nine QoL domains through Direct Interviews (DI), Proxy Questionnaires (PQ), and External Assessor Questionnaires (EAQ). It was administered to 111 adults with ID from two residential facilities in Lisbon. For the correlational analysis between QoL and costs, a sample of 102 individuals from one facility was used. RESULTS: The instrument showed strong psychometric properties (Cronbach's alpha > 0.870 for all three instruments) and satisfactory inter-rater reliability (Cohen's K > 0.7). The nine domains are positively correlated with each other for the PQ, for all EAQ domains, and for about half of DI domains. In the analysis of QoL and costs, approximately 34 % of total costs were linked to QoL, particularly those related to outside activities and selfcare/ leisure services, rather than to human resources or health care. CONCLUSIONS: The study supports the validity of the BASIQ-PT for assessing QoL in people with ID, highlighting its potential for practical applications and program development. Additionally, other factors impacting QoL, such as the quality of relationships between people with ID and professionals, should be considered in future analyses.
Math for life: Understanding the contribution of numeracy to the quality of life of adults with mild to profound intellectual disabilities.
Neveu M, Verdure G, Lefebvre L … +2 more , Vicenzutto A, Rinaldi R
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41109060 · Publisher ↗
AIM: Despite sustained interest in quality of life (QoL) within the field of intellectual disabilities (ID), the contributors to its enhancement remain unclear. This large-scale study (n = 567) aimed to investigate the r...
AIM: Despite sustained interest in quality of life (QoL) within the field of intellectual disabilities (ID), the contributors to its enhancement remain unclear. This large-scale study (n = 567) aimed to investigate the relationship between numeracy and QoL in adults with ID-according to their severity-and to examine this relationship with regard to other functional academic skills. METHOD: Participants included adults with mild, moderate, and severe to profound ID living in supported residential facilities. QoL was assessed using the Personal Outcomes Scale for Adults, encompassing eight dimensions categorised into three high-level factors: independence including self-determination; social participation including interpersonal relationships, social inclusion, and rights; and well-being including emotional, physical, and material well-being. A numeracy scale was designed with items related to the mathematical processing of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition. Partial correlations and linear mixed models were used to not only confirm the existence of a relationship between numeracy and QoL but also investigate whether numeracy can be considered a unique predictor of QoL. RESULTS: Findings revealed that numeracy is significantly associated with QoL across all levels of ID, even when controlling for literacy, thereby emerging as a unique predictor of personal development, self-determination, and social participation among individuals with mild to moderate ID and of self-determination among those with severe to profound ID. CONCLUSION: The results emphasise numeracy's importance in improving the QoL of adults with ID, highlighting the need to refine its role within the support frameworks designed for this population.
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