Res Dev Disabil [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Predicting literacy intervention responsiveness using semi-supervised machine learning.
Tan AS, Ali F, Lee CL … +1 more , Poon KK
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 40845520 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: There is pervasive non-responsiveness to systematic phonics interventions which have furthermore tended to focus on near-transfer outcomes related to phonology. There is a need to predict intervention respons...
BACKGROUND: There is pervasive non-responsiveness to systematic phonics interventions which have furthermore tended to focus on near-transfer outcomes related to phonology. There is a need to predict intervention responsiveness related to far transfer outcomes such as literacy-relevant word reading and spelling. Furthermore, there is potential for the use of advanced machine learning to maximize predictive power. AIMS: This study aims to longitudinally predict systematic phonics intervention using machine learning models. METHOD: The sample included children with special educational needs (M = 98.08 months, N = 838) who either received long-term intervention (average duration of 33.62 months) (labeled data) or only had baseline data without intervention (unlabeled data). We applied 12 semi-supervised learning models learned from the mix of labeled and unlabeled data to predict intervention responsiveness outcomes of word reading and spelling. Predictors were background information, domain-general cognitive abilities, and language-related achievement scores, with expanded predictors consisting of differences among these predictors. RESULTS: Amongst 12 models developed, Random Forest and Gaussian Naïve Bayes models achieved the highest F1 score of 0.7 in the test set, supported by the incorporation of unlabeled data and expanded predictors. The top predictors were related to verbal comprehension, visual memory, and verbal working memory. CONCLUSIONS: We identified important predictors of intervention responsiveness and showed the promise of machine learning models with implications on the allocation of resources, mitigation of risk of failure, and tailoring of interventions.
Association between physical activity levels and physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities: Controlling for sex, age, and disability level.
Gutiérrez-Cruz C, Román-Espinaco A, Del-Cuerpo I … +1 more , García-Ramos A
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 40819475 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: To evaluate associations between physical activity levels and specific components of physical fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). METHOD: Sixty-two adults with mild to moderate ID (29 femal...
BACKGROUND: To evaluate associations between physical activity levels and specific components of physical fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). METHOD: Sixty-two adults with mild to moderate ID (29 females) participated. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers, body composition with InBody-230, postural control through center of pressure displacement, and strength through a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer. RESULTS: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was positively associated with maximal static strength (r = 0.425-0.550), dynamic strength-endurance (r = 0.310-0.421), and negatively with postural sway (r = -0.361 to -0.368). Light activity was also positively associated with lower-body dynamic strength-endurance (r = 0.292-0.429) and swing length (r = -0.277), while sedentary time was negatively associated with maximal static strength (r = -0.319 to -0.323), dynamic strength-endurance (r = -0.322 to -0.486), and positively with swing length (r = 0.283). CONCLUSIONS: Promoting MVPA and reducing sedentary time may help support key components of physical fitness in people with ID.
Barriers and facilitators of assistive technology use among adolescent students with learning disabilities: A mixed methods comparison of daily and less frequent users.
Vaccarella P, Goodman-Vincent E, Cheng H … +1 more , Cunningham T
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 40819474 · Publisher ↗
This mixed methods study examined factors influencing assistive technology (AT) use among students with Learning Disabilities (LDs) in grades 7-10 (N=79) by comparing the perspectives of students who used AT daily (n=48)...
This mixed methods study examined factors influencing assistive technology (AT) use among students with Learning Disabilities (LDs) in grades 7-10 (N=79) by comparing the perspectives of students who used AT daily (n=48) and less frequent users (n=31). Student perceptions were obtained using an online survey measuring potential individual characteristics that would influence AT use (AT and LD stigma, academic self-concept, perceived impact of AT) and environmental facilitators or barriers (AT teacher support). Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between AT use frequency and AT teacher support and the perceived impact of AT. Thematic analysis suggested that while both groups view AT as valuable, more frequent users reported higher academic self-concept and fewer barriers than less frequent users. Implications include implementing comprehensive AT educator training, establishing in-school AT support teams, and conducting annual student AT check-ins to ensure that AT effectively meets the student's needs while identifying and rectifying barriers to AT use.
Teachers' obstacles and supports in distance learning education for students who are deaf and hard of hearing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Alqahtani AA
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40795791 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study investigated teachers' perceptions of the obstacles facing students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and the support they believe is needed to overcome these obstacles in the Kingdom of Saudi...
BACKGROUND: This study investigated teachers' perceptions of the obstacles facing students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and the support they believe is needed to overcome these obstacles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and sixty-eight teachers from all educational stages were surveyed. The survey focused on four areas: platforms, communication, teaching, training, and collaboration. Data were collected using the Saudi Arabian Teachers in Deaf Education (SSAT) questionnaire and analyzed using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including factor analysis, an independent sample test, and a one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: The findings indicated that most teachers of DHH students reported all four areas as barriers in distance learning. Also indicated that teachers have a great need for support, assistance and training in all areas related to distance learning education, namely technical support, professional development and collaboration. Additionally, a higher level of obstacles in distance learning education was reported among teachers who use a single method of communication with students (sign language or spoken language) compared to those who use multiple methods (total communication). There was also a higher level of obstacles among those teachers with lower training levels in all the aforementioned areas except for teaching, while no differences in obstacles were found among teachers based on the degree of disability of their students (from deaf to hard of hearing). It is thus recommended further support and training for teachers to ensure high-quality education for DHH students.
Evaluating the effectiveness of intelligent interaction technology in autism interventions: A meta-analysis based on trial assessment.
Zhou Q, Li D, Zhang Y … +4 more , Zhang Q, Li Y, Zhu C, Wang K
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40784194 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This research aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the utilization of intelligent interaction technologies, including Extended Reality (XR) and robotic systems, within the context of autism i...
PURPOSE: This research aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the utilization of intelligent interaction technologies, including Extended Reality (XR) and robotic systems, within the context of autism interventions. METHOD: This study commenced on June 16, 2022, and conducted a systematic search of publications from 2017 to 2024 using Boolean terms such as "Virtual Reality" AND "autism" AND "RCT" in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SpringerLink, and Embase. Two reviewers independently conducted research selection, data extraction, and quality assessment (using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, RoB 2), and resolved differences through discussion. Statistical analysis was conducted in STATA using a random-effects model to calculate Standardized Mean Difference (SMD), supplemented by sensitivity analysis, funnel plot, and Egger's test to ensure robustness. RESULT: The meta-analysis included 13 studies involving 459 individuals with ASD from different regions (age range: 2-15 years, diagnosed using standardized instruments), including Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, but without representatives from Africa. The results showed that intelligent interactive intervention demonstrated significant efficacy (SMD=0.66, 95 % CI: 0.27-1.05, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that age and intervention targets influenced the effect size, with particularly pronounced positive impacts observed in preschool-aged children and cognitive interventions. Subgroup analysis of intervention measures showed that the XR group exhibited a more positive effect. In contrast, the robotic group, due to high heterogeneity and wide confidence intervals, did not lead to a conclusion that this intervention was effective overall. Additionally, sensitivity analysis, funnel plots, and Egger's test were conducted, demonstrating that the results are stable and no significant publication bias. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the overall efficacy of intelligent interaction as an intervention is positive, showing benefits in social, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of ASD, particularly with XR (SMD=0.80, 95 % CI: 0.47-1.13). However, further research is required to ascertain the effects of robots. Furthermore, this study suggests intelligent interaction demonstrated larger effects for preschool-aged children(2-6 years; SMD=1.00, p = 0.007).
Examining the effects of menstrual cycle tracking training on girls with intellectual disability.
Kizir M
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40774038 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of menstrual cycle tracking training on young girls with intellectual disabilities. In order to achieve this aim, I used the multiple baseline between participants model,...
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of menstrual cycle tracking training on young girls with intellectual disabilities. In order to achieve this aim, I used the multiple baseline between participants model, one of the single-subject research methods. The participants of the study were three young girls with intellectual disability. The research was conducted at the school where the participants received training and at their homes. The trainings were conducted with the Behavioural Skill Training (BST) method. The training included the topics of puberty, menstrual cycle and follow-up. Data were collected during the sessions through data recording forms developed. The data were plotted and visually analyzed. As a result, all participants met the criteria. Initially, their performance was 0 %, but after BST sessions, their average performance increased to 72 %, 73 %, and 84 %, respectively. According to the findings obtained as a result, I determined that the participants acquired the targeted skill through sample cases, generalised it to their own menstrual cycle follow-up, and were able to maintain it after the end of the training. In addition, the findings regarding social validity showed that the participants were satisfied with the training. Although it is not possible to generalise the results, I can say that the results are promising based on the strong effect size of the training programme.
Coping strategies as mediators of internalizing symptoms on quality of life in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder and typical development.
Siedler A, Zasępa E, Idczak-Paceś E … +2 more , Saad D, Zębrowska I
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40774037 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report lower quality of life (QoL) than their typically developing peers, yet the coping processes that underlie these differences remain unclear. AIMS: This...
BACKGROUND: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report lower quality of life (QoL) than their typically developing peers, yet the coping processes that underlie these differences remain unclear. AIMS: This study investigated which coping styles mediate the impact of internalizing symptoms (depression, anxiety, anger control difficulties) on children's self-reported QoL and whether these pathways differ between ASD and typically developing groups. METHODS: A total of 172 school-aged children (80 ASD and 92 typically developing) completed standardized measures of QoL, internalizing symptoms, and four coping styles. Moderated mediation analyses tested coping as parallel mediators and diagnostic group as a moderator. RESULTS: Across both groups, higher internalizing symptoms were linked to poorer QoL. Problem-solving coping emerged as a protective mediator in typically developing children only, while other coping styles did not mediate symptom-QoL links in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Problem-focused coping supports QoL in typically developing youth but appears less effective in ASD. Children with ASD derived immediate relief from palliative strategies (e.g., structured calming techniques), yet these strategies did not attenuate the negative impact of internal distress on their broader day-to-day well-being. Interventions that adapt problem-solving strategies to the needs of children with ASD may enhance their well-being.
"There's no one-size-fits-all kind of solution": An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of autistic individuals living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Beckwith R, Stephens-Lewis D
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40774036 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Approximately a third of individuals live with multiple health conditions and this number is rising. Research suggests that living with a chronic condition can profoundly impact upon one's life and identity, h...
OBJECTIVE: Approximately a third of individuals live with multiple health conditions and this number is rising. Research suggests that living with a chronic condition can profoundly impact upon one's life and identity, however little attention has been paid to the experiences of those with multiple conditions. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rarely-diagnosed connective tissue disorder causing extensive debilitating symptoms and while these symptoms are primarily physical, EDS often co-occurs with autism. This study sought to gain insight into the experience of autistic individuals living with EDS and thus investigate how illness identity occurs with multiple conditions. DESIGN: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four autistic women living with EDS. RESULTS: Analysis resulted in three superordinate themes, consisting of 'Transformation,' 'Making sense,' and 'The negatives.' While interrelated, these themes capture the ways in which the conditions have changed the participants' lives, both positively and negatively. Furthermore, they capture how the participants make sense and create meaning in their new identities. CONCLUSION: Individuals living with co-occurring conditions have multiple illness identities which affect their overall sense of self. Within this study, participants incorporated both conditions into their new identities, although the extent to which they rejected or accepted these conditions varied individually based on numerous biopsychosocial factors, which shifted continually, including healthcare professionals' attitudes and awareness of conditions, stigma, finding community and symptom severity. Thus, illness identity is in a constant state of flux. These findings highlight the need for more individualised, supportive care for autistic individuals living with EDS.
Digital technology interventions for communication skills in persons with neurodevelopmental disorders: a scoping review.
Zorzi S, Lubkina V, Jēkabsone I … +1 more , Berteotti L
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40737720 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) frequently experience severe communication impairments. Digital Assistive Technologies (DAT) have emerged as promising tools to address these challenges. OB...
BACKGROUND: Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) frequently experience severe communication impairments. Digital Assistive Technologies (DAT) have emerged as promising tools to address these challenges. OBJECTIVES: The present scoping review aims to map the existing scientific literature on the use of DAT in fostering communication skills among individuals with NDD. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies were included if they: (1) involved participants with NDD, (2) implemented DAT interventions for communication skills, and (3) were published between 2009 and 2024. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: A systematic search was conducted across two electronic databases (ERIC and PubMed). CHARTING METHODS: Data extraction focused on participant characteristics, types of DAT interventions, communication outcomes, and implementation settings, following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. RESULTS: The review identified 103 eligible studies, predominantly focusing on children with autism (56 %) and intellectual disability (33.3 %). Most interventions utilized augmentative and alternative communication devices and speech-generating devices. Studies reported significant improvements in communication skills, particularly in requesting (41 studies), commenting (23 studies), intraverbal skills (34 studies), and listener responses (33 studies). CONCLUSIONS: While DAT shows promise in enhancing communication skills, significant research gaps exist regarding its impact on different age groups, particularly adults. Limited sample sizes and narrow focus on specific communication skills restrict generalizability. Future research should explore DAT effectiveness across diverse populations and develop comprehensive, individualized intervention plans.
Longitudinal evaluation of the Family Stress Model in families of children with intellectual disabilities.
Williams CA, Thompson PA, Hastings RP
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40730103 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The Family Stress Model (FSM) is a developmental framework used to explain the relationship between family economic hardship and children's developmental outcomes through parent factors. As a developmental th...
BACKGROUND: The Family Stress Model (FSM) is a developmental framework used to explain the relationship between family economic hardship and children's developmental outcomes through parent factors. As a developmental theory, the FSM should be able to explain the impact of early adversity on developmental outcomes for all children, including children with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: Primary caregivers (n = 372, 88 % White British) of children with intellectual disabilities (M age at Wave 1=7.31 years, SD=1.91) completed an online survey at three time points. The survey measured subjective and objective poverty, parental psychological distress, parenting behaviours, child-parent relationship quality, and the developmental outcomes of the child with intellectual disabilities. A series of preregistered structural equation models were used to examine whether the FSM was applicable to a sample of families with children with intellectual disabilities. RESULTS: The final model testing the FSM using dimensions of child-parent relationship quality and parenting behaviours whilst covarying parenting and relationship variables had satisfactory model fit (χ(25)= 69.839; p < .001; CFI= .949; TLI= .887; SMSR= .055; RMSEA= .069, AIC= 18444.623). Child-parent relationship quality had a stronger effect on children's developmental outcomes compared to the primary caregiver's parenting behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The FSM can be successfully applied as a developmental framework to families of children with intellectual disabilities. Reducing family economic adversity and parental psychological distress through early interventions and supportive social policy could significantly improve child-parent relationship quality, thereby improving developmental outcomes over time for children with intellectual disabilities. Future research studies should aim to test whether other theoretical models hold up when applied to this population.
Co-occurrence of ADHD and motor problems in children: The impact on quality of life.
Kumar G, Williams J, Zwicker JG … +6 more , Fuelscher I, Barhoun P, Hamilton K, Lum J, Enticott P, Hyde C
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40714538 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Although ≈ 50 % of children with ADHD present with co-occurring symptoms consistent with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), few studies have considered the impact of co-occurring ADHD+DCD on quality o...
BACKGROUND: Although ≈ 50 % of children with ADHD present with co-occurring symptoms consistent with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), few studies have considered the impact of co-occurring ADHD+DCD on quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to (1) disentangle the respective impact of inattentive and motor symptoms on QoL in children; (2) explore if the co-occurrence of atypical motor skill (i.e., DCD) and ADHD presents a greater risk to QoL than either disorder in isolation; and (3) clarify if the profile of QoL alters based on parent- compared to child-report. METHODS: Participants were 28 children presenting with ADHD, 16 with DCD, 26 with ADHD+DCD, and 60 controls aged 5-14 years. Parent- and child-report 'Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory' (PedsQL) measured overall QoL across physical, emotional, social, and school domains. RESULTS: Results broadly demonstrated that children with ADHD and DCD showed comparable reductions in QoL, regardless of report-type. Children with ADHD and DCD alone demonstrated lower QoL than neurotypical children. Further, those with co-occurring ADHD+DCD often presented with lower QoL than children with either ADHD or DCD in isolation, though this effect was select to parent-report. Only partial concordance was observed for parent- and child-report within groups. CONCLUSIONS: While supporting earlier reports of compromised QoL in children with ADHD and DCD, our work also provides clear evidence that the negative impact of DCD on QoL is comparable to that of ADHD. Further, our work extends prior accounts by demonstrating the potential cumulative impact of co-occurring ADHD+DCD on QoL. Lastly, our findings show that parent- and child-reports offer unique perspectives on QoL in children with and without neurodevelopmental conditions.
Differences between Autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in brain function: A resting-state fMRI research.
Yu L, Sun L, Yue X … +2 more , Wang Y, Chen C
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40714537 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The clinical distinction between ASD and ADHD poses significant diagnostic challenges due to their symptomatic similarities. To address this issue, we systematically examined functional brain differences betwe...
OBJECTIVE: The clinical distinction between ASD and ADHD poses significant diagnostic challenges due to their symptomatic similarities. To address this issue, we systematically examined functional brain differences between these disorders. METHODS: By combining amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) resting-state fMRI metrics, this study provides a more robust neurofunctional characterization of ASD and ADHD. Using resting-state fMRI, we compared ALFF and ReHo among four groups: 28 ASD-only participants, 29 typically developing controls matched to ASD participants (TD(ASD)), 28 ADHD-only participants, 30 typically developing controls matched to ADHD participants (TD(ADHD)). These analyses quantified region-specific neural activity intensity and local synchronization to identify disorder-specific functional patterns. RESULTS: Compared to TD(ASD) controls, the ASD group exhibited significantly elevated ALFF and ReHo in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) and right precentral gyrus (PreCG) (p < 0.05, GRF-corrected). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between ADHD and TD(ADHD) groups. Direct ASD-ADHD comparisons revealed: Increased ALFF in the right PreCG and decreased ALFF in the left fusiform gyrus (FG); Elevated ReHo in the right middle occipital gyrus (MOG) in ASD (p < 0.05, GRF-corrected). CONCLUSION: The distinct ALFF and ReHo patterns observed between ASD and ADHD provide compelling neurobiological evidence for their divergent neural mechanisms. These disorder-specific functional signatures, particularly in the anterior cingulate and occipito-frontal circuits, may guide future neuromodulation research and eventually contribute to refining differential diagnostic frameworks in clinical practice.
Assistive technology for university students with disabilities: Availability, utilization, and impact on academic performance.
Almalky HA, Qaysi KA
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40674930 · Publisher ↗
This study explores the availability and effectiveness of assistive technologies for university students with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Using a descriptive survey approach, it assessed: (a) the availability of assist...
This study explores the availability and effectiveness of assistive technologies for university students with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Using a descriptive survey approach, it assessed: (a) the availability of assistive technologies; (b) the provision of training materials and support; (c) utilization patterns; and (d) the impact on academic performance. Seventy-six students with disabilities participated. The results show high availability of assistive technologies, supported by comprehensive training materials and services. Additionally, the findings highlight a strong positive correlation between assistive technology use and enhanced academic performance among students with disabilities. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: This study contributes to the literature by examining the perceptions, experiences, and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Saudi Arabia regarding assistive technology. Through quantitative analysis, it identifies key factors influencing accessibility, such as cultural attitudes, technological infrastructure, and policy constraints. The findings also reveal a significant gap between the availability of assistive technologies and their effective utilization, offering critical insights for policymakers, educators, and service providers aiming to enhance inclusivity.
Evaluation of the quality of life in individuals with intellectual disabilities: Challenges and influencing factors.
Alsultan AS, Alqazlan S, Alasmari AM … +1 more , Alshuayl MS
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40645007 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Intellectual disability (ID) poses considerable difficulty in cognitive function and adaptive behaviour, impacting millions of individuals globally. Such adversity, which can coincide with deficits in social...
BACKGROUND: Intellectual disability (ID) poses considerable difficulty in cognitive function and adaptive behaviour, impacting millions of individuals globally. Such adversity, which can coincide with deficits in social relationships, educational, and daily living skills, also tends to influence the general quality of life (QoL) of individuals with ID. Since QoL is a complicated, multifaceted construct which has various personal, social, and environmental associated factors, it is an important area for research and policies. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at assessing the QoL of individuals with ID, both adults and children, in Saudi Arabia with a focus on the most critical domains of interpersonal relationships, self-determination, social inclusion, personal development, and emotional well-being. Additionally, the study examined potential factors associated with gender, geographic area, family income and other disabilities. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted based on teacher-reported assessments completed on behalf of 212 children and youths with ID and 53 adults with ID and multiple disabilities from various regions of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The results showed that children and youth in Saudi Arabia with ID had a generally moderate QoL, but with difficulties in self-determination and emotional well-being. Additionally, demographic factors, especially gender and family income, were found to influence social inclusion and personal development, with females showing greater levels in both scales. Also, participants with lower incomes had greater interpersonal relationships and self-determination.
Comorbidity aggregation models in children and adolescents with ADHD and direct and moderator effects of familial clinical history and psychosocial factors.
Melegari MG, Donfrancesco R, Sacco R … +3 more , Lacerenza RM, Giallonardo M, Scandola M
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40633434 · Publisher ↗
ADHD condition occurs with an extensive variety of comorbid mental disorders This study aims to individuate models of comorbidity aggregation in 1086 probands with ADHD and the direct and moderator effect of First Degree...
ADHD condition occurs with an extensive variety of comorbid mental disorders This study aims to individuate models of comorbidity aggregation in 1086 probands with ADHD and the direct and moderator effect of First Degree Relatives (FDRs) Mental Disorders and socio-environmental factors. Principal Component Analysis individuated four models of highly related comorbidities in affected probands. Inter-psychiatric and inter-neurodevelopmental comorbidities associations, with higher loading of Anxiety-Depressive-Conduct and "Intellectual-Language-Motor" subgroups of disorders were distinctly collocated within first and second components respectively. Regression and moderator analyses highlighted the effect of familiarity ADHD among siblings and socio-environmental factors in both components; in addition, FDRs psychiatric disorders worked as direct factors in the first component. Tic-Tourette and Autism vs. Bipolar Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities; Opposition-Conduct vs. Learning Disabilities subgroups in the third and fourth components, respectively, defined contraposed comorbidity profiles. Mothers with ADHD moderated by lower rates of ADHD siblings; high negative parenting and lower FDRs neurodevelopmental disorders represented the direct effect for the third and fourth components, respectively. Proband's age as well as disorders loading within more components contribute to better define these comorbidities subgroups. The findings suggest to consider a nosology of ADHD that takes in account of comorbidity profiles and their co-related familial and environmental risk factors.
ECogFun-virtual reality program for improving planning and organization skills in daily life among children and adolescents with ADHD: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Pérez-Rodríguez S, Vidal-Ramírez C, Sawalha O … +2 more , Ortiz-Rubio A, Romero-Ayuso DM
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40633433 · Publisher ↗
ADHD is a prevalent childhood neuropsychological disorder that can cause difficulties in functioning within school, family, and social environments, as well as impact well-being of children and adolescents with ADHD. Thi...
ADHD is a prevalent childhood neuropsychological disorder that can cause difficulties in functioning within school, family, and social environments, as well as impact well-being of children and adolescents with ADHD. This study will explore the effects of the ECogFun-VR multimodal intervention on planning, organization, and daily functionating in children and adolescents with ADHD. A randomized triple-blind clinical trial will be conducted, with participants randomized into experimental and control groups. The clinical trial has included children and adolescents aged from 9 to 17 years diagnosed with any subtypes of ADHD. Participants should receive stable pharmacological treatment or not receiving any pharmacological treatment during the study. The experimental group will receive 12 weekly sessions of ECogFun-VR, while the control group will undergo no treatment initially. Evaluation will involve several measures including TMT A-B, STROOP, WISC-IV, BADS-C, NEPSY-II, Time-S, W-ADL, Peds SSQ, SNAP-IV, SDQ, BRIEF-2, EQ-i: YV. Assessments will be conducted pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up (3- and 6-months post-treatment). The main outcomes are planning organization and functioning of activities of daily living. Secondary outcomes will include executive function, activities of daily living management, and clinical outcomes.
Prevalence, causes, and barriers of severe visual impairment and blindness in Arab countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Alsolami AS, Alqarni TM
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40633432 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Visual impairment (VI), including severe visual impairment (SVI; visual acuity < 6/60 to ≥ 3/60) and blindness (VA < 3/60), is a critical public health issue in Arab countries, exacerbated by socioeconomic di...
BACKGROUND: Visual impairment (VI), including severe visual impairment (SVI; visual acuity < 6/60 to ≥ 3/60) and blindness (VA < 3/60), is a critical public health issue in Arab countries, exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities and limited access to eye care services. AIMS: This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the prevalence of SVI and blindness in Arab countries using WHO ICD-11 definitions, identifies primary causes, and examines barriers to equitable eye health. METHODS: English- and Arabic-language studies were searched across multiple databases. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI appraisal tool. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model in Jamovi. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of SVI was 4.0 % (95 % CI: 2.49-5.51 %) and blindness was 4.65 % (95 % CI: 3.26-6.04 %), both exceeding global averages (3.78 % and 0.55 %, respectively). Primary causes included cataracts (29-66.2 %), diabetic retinopathy (32.9 %), glaucoma (24-55.7 %), and uncorrected refractive errors (48.6 %). Reported barriers to eye care access included financial constraints, geographic inaccessibility, a shortage of trained personnel, social stigma, and educational exclusion, disproportionately affecting women, rural communities, and marginalized groups. The causes of VI varied by age group: congenital anomalies and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were more prevalent among infants and children, while cataracts and glaucoma were predominant in older adults. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The high prevalence of severe VI and blindness in Arab countries reflects underlying systemic challenges. Policies should prioritize mobile eye clinics, neonatal screening (e.g., for ROP), specialist workforce training, subsidized surgeries, and early habilitation to improve developmental outcomes and quality of life for children. Culturally sensitive awareness campaigns, assistive technologies, and regional collaboration are essential to promote equitable eye care.
The effects of rTMS and tDCS on repetitive/stereotypical behaviors, cognitive/executive functions in intellectually capable children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Minghui Q, Wang Y, Chen B … +4 more , Sun S, Hu Q, Chen L, Xu S
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40618530 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on repetitive/stereotypical behaviors and cognitive/executive...
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on repetitive/stereotypical behaviors and cognitive/executive functions in children and young adults with intellectually capable autism spectrum disorder (IC-ASD). METHODS: Literature searches across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of rTMS and tDCS in children and young adults with IC-ASD. The search encompassed articles published up to April 25, 2025. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) was calculated and pooled. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess potential sources of heterogeneity and refine the robustness of the findings. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 18 RCTs involving 813 participants. Compared with sham interventions, tDCS demonstrated significant improvements in social communication, repetitive and stereotypical behaviors, cognitive and executive functions among individuals with IC-ASD (e.g., Social Responsiveness Scale: SMD = -0.48; 95 % CI: -0.75 to -0.22; p < 0.01). Similarly, rTMS improved social communication, repetitive and abnormal behaviors (Social Responsiveness Scale: SMD = -0.21; 95 % CI: -0.42 to -0.00; p < 0.05; Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised: SMD = -0.62; 95 % CI: -1.17 to -0.07; p = 0.04; Aberrant Behavior Checklist: SMD = -0.53; 95 % CI: -0.79 to -0.26; p < 0.01). No significant heterogeneity was observed across studies. CONCLUSION: tDCS and rTMS may enhance cognitive and executive functions and reduce repetitive behaviors in children and young adults with IC-ASD. However, these findings require careful interpretation due to the limited high-quality studies and variability in treatment protocols. Future research should prioritize the development of standardized protocols to address inconsistencies in stimulation parameters (including frequency, intensity, and duration) and core outcome sets. Additionally, larger-scale, rigorously blinded multi-center RCTs are necessary to accurately evaluate the clinical efficacy and applicability of these neuromodulation techniques in these populations.
Does instrumentation have an effect on the outcome of a bimanual performance assessment in children with cerebral palsy?
Rozaire J, Combey A, Naaim A … +3 more , Duprey S, Chaleat-Valayer E, Bard-Pondarré R
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40554084 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In the majority of instrumented assessments of upper limb function, participants are frequently required to complete tasks in a standardised manner in order to facilitate inter-participant comparisons. Howeve...
BACKGROUND: In the majority of instrumented assessments of upper limb function, participants are frequently required to complete tasks in a standardised manner in order to facilitate inter-participant comparisons. However, this approach may result in the loss of valuable information regarding the patient's performance in everyday life. The instrumented performance assessment of the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) could yield meaningful information about the patient's spontaneous use of the impaired limb. This study aims to determine if the presence of a motion analysis setting impacts AHA scores in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. METHODS: Eighteen children (18 months-13 years) underwent regular and instrumented AHA sessions (7 Vicon cameras, 17 markers). The ratings of the AHAs were randomly divided for each participant between two occupational therapists. Descriptive statistics were employed, including a Bland-Altman plot with a clinical difference threshold of at least 5 points out of 100. Additionally, paired Student's t-tests or Wilcoxon tests were conducted based on data normality. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability for the AHA was high (maximum difference of 2 out of 80 points). No significant differences were found between instrumented and regular AHA scores, and no correlation with the age. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating motion capture into the AHA without compromising its reliability, regardless of the participants' age. Future research should focus on developing methods for reliably quantifying movement parameters within the AHA framework.
Design of a mobile application based on artificial intelligence to identify pain in non-communicating individuals with cerebral palsy.
Sabater-Gárriz Á, Gaya-Morey FX, Buades-Rubio JM … +4 more , Manresa-Yee C, Riquelme I, Montoya P, Martínez-Bueso P
Res Dev Disabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40554083 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Pain assessment in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly those unable to self-report, is a significant challenge. Pain is the most common comorbidity in CP, yet current evaluation methods are o...
INTRODUCTION: Pain assessment in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly those unable to self-report, is a significant challenge. Pain is the most common comorbidity in CP, yet current evaluation methods are often subjective and unreliable. An AI-based facial recognition system integrated into a mobile application could provide an objective, reliable tool for pain assessment in this population. OBJECTIVES: METHODS: Three approaches were employed: RESULTS: A systematic review identified seven studies on automated facial recognition systems for pain detection. However, only one of these systems-ePAT/PainCheck-has been developed into a functional mobile application for clinical use, though not specific to individuals with cerebral palsy. This underscores the novelty of the current initiative. The feasibility of our proposed app was confirmed, and key technical and functional requirements were outlined, including intuitive design, dual local/cloud processing, and mechanisms for system improvement. Stakeholders emphasized ease of use, and suggested incorporating features such as accuracy estimation, offline functionality, multi-language support, and open communication fields. CONCLUSIONS: This novel and feasible app represents a significant advance in pain assessment for CP, with potential applications in other neurological conditions with communication impairments and unique facial expressions.
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