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Results for “Developmental Disabilities”

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PubMed1993

Early intervention for children with developmental disabilities: manifesto of the Eurlyaid working party.

Eurlyaid is a working party of the European Community (EC). It consists of experts and representatives of parents' associations from the various member states involved in early intervention for children who are disabled or at risk of developmental disabilities. Starting from the growing recognition of the importance of early identification and intervention Eurlyaid aims to contribute to the development of a common EC policy and legislation. Here we describe a comprehensive framework for early intervention, presented as a preliminary manifesto. First of all the Manifesto gives a definition of key concepts, delineates the target group and states the rationale behind, and the content, of early intervention. Secondly, we present the conditions and demands necessary to attain the best quality early intervention, and make a number of recommendations. With an EC grant, Eurlyaid is able to continue its activities as part of ALEFPA-Europe, a so-called non-governmental organization (NGO).

Brain Damage, Chronic↗

PubMed1998

Functional assessment and treatment of sleeping problems with developmentally disabled children: six case studies.

Sleeping problems are common among developmentally disabled children of young age and they may have adverse effects on the well-being of both child and parents. In the present study, results from functional assessment with four children suggested that sleeping problems were reinforced by parental attention whilst an undiagnosed seizure disorder was associated with nighttime crying with one child. Conditioned anxiety resulted in problems in settling to sleep with a sixth child. Behavioral (i.e., extinction, desensitization) and pharmacological (i.e., anticonvulsant) treatment resulted in a substantial reduction in sleeping problems with all children. Follow-up data indicate that effects were maintained.

Anticonvulsants↗

PubMed1982

Behavioral evaluation of a state program of deinstitutionalization of the developmentally disabled.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate one phase of a statewide program of deinstitutionalizing developmentally disabled individuals. Forty adults who had spent a minimum of six months in community placements were evaluated with respect to changes in behavior associated with movement out of state institutions and into community settings such as group homes and day activity centers. Pre- and post-deinstitutionalization measures were taken with the Behavior Development Survey. Post-deinstitutionalization measures on Cataldo and Risley's Resident Activity Manifest were compared to the same measures obtained on 159 developmentally disabled individuals scheduled for deinstitutionalization. A consistent pattern of positive changes on both instruments favored deinstitutionalization, but changes could not be unequivocally attributed to movement out of the institutions per se.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Serving people with developmental disabilities in Medicaid managed care.

Concurrent with the sweeping changes in health care during the past decade, particularly in Medicaid financed health care, has been the reshaping of social policy toward people with developmental disabilities. The extent to which managed care entities match the themes now driving social services for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities (cerebral palsy, autism, etc.) is the extent to which they will be successful in serving this unique group of consumers of managed health care. The authors suggest a number of considerations for managed care organizations that increasingly serve significant numbers of this population.

Comprehensive Health Care↗

PubMed2006

Post-school quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities who use AAC.

Even when augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions enhance the communication skills and educational achievements of students with complex communication needs while they are in school, there is no guarantee that these gains will be maintained following students' transition to adult life. Unfortunately, information on the post-school quality of life and related outcomes of individuals with complex communication needs is scarce. This study addressed this issue by examining the post-school outcomes of eight Canadian individuals with developmental disabilities who used AAC technology while they were in school. Two surveys were used to compile the data: the Quality of Life Profile: People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities (Renwick, Rudman, Raphael, & Brown, 1998) and a Communication Survey designed specifically for this study. Four of the participants and the people who knew them best also participated in brief interviews in which they discussed the positive and negative aspects of their school and post-school experiences. Results indicated that participant outcomes in important life domains were generally discouraging. A high positive correlation was found between quality of life and quality of communication scores, and participants who achieved relatively better outcomes showed evidence of higher communicative competence. However, the majority of participants and their supporters were very dissatisfied with the lack of AAC and other services that were available to them as young adults. The results are discussed in relation to outcomes for adults with development disabilities who use AAC and their implications for future research, practice, and advocacy efforts related to transition planning.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1998

A review of the literature and a preliminary study of family compliance in a developmental disabilities clinic.

To investigate the compliance of family members with the treatment recommended for patients, three child and adolescent psychiatrists assessed the charts of all active outpatients in a developmental disabilities clinic in the psychiatric department of a tertiary care municipal hospital utilizing a Family Compliance Checklist, a survey form for chart review, in October, 1993 (n = 40), and in April, 1994 (n = 41). Almost no clients missed appointments over a 6-mo. period. Only one family refused to permit the use of medication. Three families refused to make appointments. The majority of the patients were Hispanic and almost half were Roman Catholic. We conclude that most families of patients in a developmental disabilities clinic comply with recommended treatment plans including scheduled appointments and prescribed medications.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Health issues for adults with developmental disability.

The aim of this paper is to review recent literature on health issues for adults with developmental disability and reflect on how this research informs service provision, future research work, and social and health policy. Studies based on mortality data are most likely to aim at identifying individuals most at risk of premature death, and some researchers argue that health-oriented service systems appear ill-equipped to address the needs of the at risk groups. Morbidity studies highlight specific health concerns found in this population and commonly report high rates of untreated, yet treatable, conditions. The emerging literature on the behavioral determinants of health suggests risk of preventable morbidity and mortality because of the lack of health-promoting behaviors, particularly in relation to diet and physical activity. Of particular interest in this literature is the affect of living arrangements on health promoting activities. This paper concludes that future directions in health research for adults with developmental disability will be concerned with the complexity of the interactions between biology, pathology, and behavioral and environmental determinants. More use of self-reported health studies is suggested, as well as further exploration of effective strategies of health promotion and health promoting decision-making and self-determination among this population.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Serving rural families of developmentally disabled children: a case management model.

Family-centered, community-based case management is a key feature of new federal legislation mandating educational and preschool services for all developmentally disabled children. Social work skills, including counseling, planning, coordination, and knowledge of family and community dynamics, are germane to this task. The goal of family-centered case management is the empowerment of parents as caretakers and planners for their children. Highly skilled case managers will be particularly needed in rural areas where families must deal with scarce resources and other environmental constraints. The authors describe a program employing master's-level social work case managers who serve rural Appalachian families with developmentally disabled children. Included is a case illustration that delineates both case management activities and the contextual elements important in working in an Appalachian rural community.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1987

Fetal alcohol. Teratogenic causes of developmental disabilities.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) are preventable forms of mental retardation and developmental disability caused by heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Our best evidence of the overall prevalence of FAS is around 1 in 750 live births, but this figure will vary according to the drinking habits of the community and the diagnostic skills and interests of local physicians. It is likely that many infants are born with FAS or FAE, are never recognized as such, and are never properly diagnosed or evaluated. Other diagnoses that are sometimes confused with FAS include Noonan syndrome and William syndrome. More often, children with milder FAS or FAE go unrecognized. Careful evaluation of possible maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy can be an important factor in differential diagnosis and proper case management. Alcohol is a teratogenic drug that can produce a wide variety of deficits from prenatal exposure, depending on the dose, timing, and conditions of exposure, as well as on individual differences in sensitivity on the part of the mother and the child. Not all children who are exposed are affected. Perhaps 30-40% of the children of chronic alcoholic mothers who were drinking during pregnancy will have FAS. These children are at high risk for mental retardation or developmental disability. Even within this group, however, there can be large individual differences in eventual outcome. Prognosis involves an interaction between the extent of the damage and the stability and structure of the environment. Children whose mothers were abusing alcohol during pregnancy can be at risk for various learning and attentional problems even without FAS, but in the absence of morphologic effects, the diagnostic and prognostic picture is less clear. Systematic efforts toward both prevention and intervention can assure that each child develops to his or her own best potential.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1977

A comparison of the Stanford-Binet abbreviated and complete forms for developmentally disabled children.

Three abbreviated versions of the Stanford-Binet were reviewed and compared for 50 children with developmental disabilities. The children ranged in age from 6 years - 0 months to 15 years - 11 months. While the IQs obtained from the abbreviated forms correlated highly with the complete Binet IQ, it was felt that the 2-item test yielded too many "misses" both in terms of IQ and classification to be of significant value for use with developmentally disabled children. Although the Terman and Merrill 4-item and Wright versions both yielded considerable "misses" in classification, they were believed to be of definite value to the time-harried examiner. Caution was advised, however, in the use of abbreviated-form IQs as a basis for important diagnostic decisions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Aging and developmental disabilities: interagency planning for an emerging population.

In 1987 the Indiana Task FOrce on Aging and Aged Persons with Developmental Disabilities was formed to address interagency planning and public policy issues related to this newly emerging population. Data were collected from major state agencies now serving either the aged or individuals with developmental disabilities to assess the portion of the population currently receiving services. These data were compared to population projections for 1990. Service needs in health care, residential services, day programming, and other support areas were identified. We discuss direct planning outcomes and indirect process outcomes related to increased interaction among state-agency employees.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Dual diagnosis: developmental disability complicated by mental illness.

When mental retardation is complicated by mental illness, the clinical result is "dual diagnosis." Though recognized as such only since the 1970s, these patients have long been the subset of the developmentally disabled most resistant to integration into the community. The maladaptive behavior or mental illness often prevents training for the retardation or other developmental disability. Because these patients are no longer placed in the back wards of state institutions, the modern expectation is that even this most difficult group can be influenced by positive behavior support directed by a psychologist and medication treatment programs prescribed by a psychiatrist. In addition, program specialists structure the work, play, and learning environment of the patients. These activities, living conditions, and peer relationships will form a dynamic interaction with the behavior therapy and the medication. The challenge of adapting to this interaction is met by an interdisciplinary team. Subject to bizarre behavior and difficult to diagnose and treat, patients with both mental retardation and mental illness are best directed to providers trained for these patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Sleep in children with developmental disabilities.

Sleep disturbances are more common in children and adolescents with developmental disabilities than in non-disabled individuals. Given the potential benefit of improved sleep for a patient's daytime functioning, it is important that clinicians who work with this population query caretakers about sleep problems and offer intervention, whether behavioral or pharmacological. Sleep problems in children with developmental disorders often fail to improve spontaneously, as may be the case in typically developing children, which can lead to further distress, disappointment, and frustration for families. Attempting to resolve sleep difficulties as they arise can benefit not only the patient, but also the patient's caretakers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Area agency on aging outreach and assistance for households with older carers of an adult with a developmental disability.

A demonstration project was undertaken in the state of New York to assess how area agencies on aging (AAAs) would approach outreach and direct aid to families caring for someone with a developmental disability. It was found that AAAs organized their outreach and direct-aid efforts using three main approaches: direct operation, contract operations, and multi-organizational. They generally organized staff time so that about two days per week of effort was devoted to undertaking outreach activities, conducting community education, and providing casework and referrals for target families. Four major distinctions were identified that differentiated work with older carers of persons with a developmental disability from that with other kinds of carers: complexity of problems presented by households identified, vagaries of fiscal resources, diverse household composition, and planning for eventualities. It was concluded that targeting AAAs for outreach and providing help to these carers was effective and productive and should be replicated throughout the United States.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Measuring religiousness of parents of children with developmental disabilities.

A 12-item scale of religiosity was related to content analyses of interviews with mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Results indicated that mothers who spontaneously mentioned religion in their interview rated themselves higher on the religiosity scale than did mothers who did not mention religion. Moreover, mothers who spoke more positively about religion received higher scores on the religiosity scale, as did their spouses. Content analyses of the narrative data indicated that what mothers said about religion was mostly positive and provided details of how religiousness influences coping with the rearing of a child who has developmental disabilities.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1999

Efficacy of methylphenidate among preschool children with developmental disabilities and ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study of the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate (MPH) in 11 preschool children (aged 4.0-5.11 years) with developmental disabilities and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: MPH doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg per dose and a placebo were given. Drug response was evaluated via teacher-completed behavior checklists and clinic-based observations of activity level, attention, and compliance to adult requests. A side effects checklist was also completed by teachers and parents. RESULTS: Significant improvement on teacher ratings of hyperactivity and inattention as well as clinic-based observations of activity level and compliance were associated with MPH. Eight of 11 preschool children were medication responders (based on a minimum 40% decrease between placebo and one drug condition on either the teacher-rated Conners Hyperactivity Index or the Hyperactive-Distractible subscale of the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire). Five children exhibited significant adverse drug side effects such as severe social withdrawal, increased crying, and irritability, especially at the higher dose (0.6 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that preschool children with developmental disabilities and ADHD respond to MPH at rates similar to those of school-age children with mental retardation and ADHD. However, this population appears to be especially susceptible to adverse drug side effects.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1999

Effects of Social versus Musical Antecedents on Communication Responsiveness in Five Children with Developmental Disabilities.

The present study involved a comparison of social versus musical antecedents on communication responsiveness in five children with developmental disabilities. During the social antecedent condition, the teacher presented opportunities for the children to greet, name objects, and request materials. In the musical antecedent condition, these same opportunities were embedded within a music/singing activity. A reversal design was used to compare the percentage of opportunities with appropriate communication responses across the two conditions. For three of the five children, the musical antecedent condition was associated with higher percentages of appropriate communication responses. For the other two children, the two conditions were associated with approximately equal rates of appropriate communication. Across both conditions, appropriate responses were more likely during opportunities for greeting and requesting than during opportunities to name objects. The results suggest that embedding communication opportunities within a musical activity may lead to increased appropriate communication responses for some children with developmental disabilities.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1982

Community acceptance of residential programs for developmentally disabled persons.

Deinstitutionalization and the ensuing establishment of residence programs for developmentally disabled persons has stimulated both community support and opposition. The present study considers changes in the levels of community acceptance after residence programs are established, sources of program support and opposition, and strategies used to overcome community opposition. The data are based upon responses to a survey of all community residence programs in New York (n = 459). The findings indicate marked and consistent shifts toward the acceptance of established residence programs.

Adult↗