SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Developmental Disabilities”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Social interactions of persons with developmental disabilities living independently in the community.

Fifty-four adults with developmental disabilities living independently in three different communities were interviewed about their social interactions during seven consecutive days. Results indicated that most interactions were with other persons with disabilities, and almost half of those interviewed reported no interactions with persons without disabilities. Those living in an outer suburban setting had fewer interactions with persons without disabilities. Those who had lived previously in supervised group residences had more interactions than those lacking this experience, but these were mostly accounted for by interactions with other persons with disabilities. The main conclusion of the study was that integration of persons with developmental disabilities was not occurring at a satisfactory level, when judged by their interactions with persons without disabilities.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1994

Diagnostic assessment of developmental disability: the parents' view.

A self-report questionnaire was used to survey parental recollections and opinions concerning: detection and diagnosis of their child's developmental disabilities; the accessibility, usefulness and the efficacy of generic and specialist services which were offered and utilized by the family during the child's first 5 years from birth; the necessity, utilization and adequacy of current generic and specialist services for the parents and their child. Ninety parents of children who were clients of two New South Wales developmental disability community services at the time of this study were contacted by mail and asked to complete the questionnaire. Eighty parents correctly completed the questionnaire. Parents of children using these two services were selected on the socioeconomic and resettlement differences between these regions (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1989); descriptive analysis using cross-tabulation tables indicated a significant group difference with regard to the fathers' occupational status and the families' private health-care insurance membership. Group variation was also found with the responses to the availability and adequacy of services. Otherwise parents' experiences in the recognition and diagnostic assessment of their children's developmental disabilities were homogeneous.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

The family physician's role with parents of young children with developmental disabilities.

Technological advances, coupled with recent federal legislation targeting young children who have developmental disabilities, will increasingly necessitate an expanded role of the family physician in the lives of these children and their families. Of particular importance is Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, which recognizes the importance of the family unit in any intervention methodology that may be provided. This legislation also notes that the active involvement of the family's physician is desirable when designing services appropriate for children with developmental disabilities and their families. Providing support and optimizing positive family interactions are crucial to these children. Recommendations to enable the family physician to address more effectively the unique needs of this patient population include (1) an informal screening protocol, and (2) communication skills that include talking with both parents at the same time, using accurate, nonstigmatizing language when presenting a diagnosis, showing acceptance of and optimism regarding the child, encouraging parents to explain their child's problems to others, helping parents to learn about their children's unique needs, and helping parents to understand how their attitudes affect their child.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1983

Pediatric diagnosis and management of children with developmental disabilities.

Mail surveys were conducted in 1976 and 1980 with Oregon primary care pediatricians to determine patterns of in-depth evaluations, followup, and availability of diagnostic and treatment services for children with developmental disabilities. It was assumed that changes might reflect the impact of recent federal legislation. Patterns of referral were related more to the type and disorder than to the location of the physician's practice. The majority of pediatricians referred children for evaluation for mental retardation, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, autism, and multihandicapping conditions. Over half reported doing their own evaluations for convulsive disorders. Referrals were most often to multidiscipline teams except for learning disabilities and convulsive disorders. The present study emphasizes the pediatricians' utilization of specialized interdisciplinary centers for diagnosis of children with major developmental disabilities. There was little change in practice patterns during the study period, but some significant shifts in perceived service needs were observed. The most significant change seems to be a heightened awareness of these children's needs for services. Pediatricians continue to express a need for more training in diagnosis and care of developmental disabilities.

Autistic Disorder↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Graduate nursing education: developmental disabilities and special health care needs.

As children and adults with developmental disabilities and special health care needs are integrated into home, school, and community life, nurses are being required to provide leadership, advocacy, and training in community settings to a much greater extent than in the past. To assess the school and community need for formal graduate preparation for nurses who work with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or special health care needs, 25 nurses in leadership positions representing urban and rural health agencies throughout Minnesota took part in a 5-hour focus group discussion. Analysis of data summarized from this process shows five features of the recommended curriculum necessary for advanced practitioners in this specialty area: (a) discipline-specific core competencies, (b) discipline-specific specialty competencies, (c) genetic competencies not specific to nursing but necessary to function in nursing roles, (d) interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary learning experiences, and (e) clinical experiences with preceptors. The authors recommend the development of interdisciplinary graduate programs designed to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in school health, public health, home health care, and systems management that will affect public policy and, ultimately, promote change in the systems charged with responsibility to serve this population.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Developing an AIDS prevention education program for persons with developmental disabilities.

The AIDS epidemic poses a serious threat to people with developmental disabilities, the magnitude of which has not yet been fully realized by many professionals working with this population. Models for effective AIDS prevention education have been developed, however, within other populations. Key principles utilized in existing models were discussed and recommendations presented on how to adapt these models when designing programs for people who have developmental disabilities, most specifically, those in the mild/moderate range of mental retardation.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1992

A survey of the vision assessment of the developmentally disabled and multi-handicapped in University Affiliated Programs (UAPs).

In 1989 we conducted a survey to assess the availability of vision assessments (screening and complete eye/vision examinations) in University Affiliated Programs for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (UAPs). Analysis of the results suggests that although the UAPs are continuing to provide some services for eye/vision care, only 58 percent of these centers have facilities for the screening of vision problems. Ninety-six percent of the respondents, however, feel that vision screening is important. The developmentally disabled and multi-handicapped child is at high risk for vision/eye problems. Unless this difference between service availability and the perceived importance of vision services is addressed, there is an increased risk that the child may not reach his/her full potential. The UAPs need to increase the availability of eye/vision care within the UAPs and to expand training to providers in the community to deal with the developmentally disabled and multi-handicapped.

Child↗

PubMed1986

Gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett's esophagus in developmentally disabled patients.

Twenty-seven patients from an institution for the developmentally disabled underwent endoscopy for evaluation of vomiting, regurgitation, rumination, or upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The presence of gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett's esophagus was determined retrospectively. Twenty-three patients had an IQ less than 20, 19 were nonambulatory, and 14 were taking at least one neuroleptic drug daily. Seven patients (26%) had histologically documented Barrett's esophagus of the specialized-columnar type. Two patients with Barrett's esophagus had benign esophageal strictures, but no cases of adenocarcinoma were found. There were no significant differences (p greater than 0.05) between patients with or without Barrett's esophagus in regard to symptoms, age, sex, IQ, medications, or ambulatory status. The present data suggest that Barrett's esophagus may frequently occur in developmentally disabled patients with symptoms and signs of gastroesophageal reflux.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Is the early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program effective with developmentally disabled children?

The effectiveness of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program (EPSDT) in identifying health and developmental problems and facilitating diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for a sample of Michigan children with moderate and severe developmental disabilities was studied. Three data sets, derived from parent reports and Medicaid records concerning 281 Medicaid-eligible, young developmentally disabled children from nine representative counties in the state were studied. Approximately 56% of these children had used EPSDT, and 44% had not. Findings from the first data base, a parent questionnaire, indicated no differences between the two groups in terms of age at diagnosis, access to routine or specialized health care, or reasons for inability to obtain needed care. The second database, the screening summaries from the EPSDT sites, contained reports on 108 children. Many of the required procedures were not performed on these children. The final data set, the Medicaid claims records, was used to assess whether appropriate medical follow-up occurred in response to the screening encounter. Only 62% of the screenings with a referral had a Medicaid visit within 1 year of screening and only half of the referrals that resulted in a follow-up visit had a diagnosis that confirmed the reason for referral. Recommendations for improving the health and developmental screening of disabled children are presented and the policy implications of these findings are discussed.

Child↗

PubMed1989

Self-monitoring and self-managed reinforcement procedures for improving work productivity of developmentally disabled workers. A review.

This article reviews research that examined self-monitoring and/or self-managed reinforcement procedures for improving and maintaining work productivity of developmentally disabled workers. Seventeen articles were encountered that examined self-monitoring and/or self-administration of reinforcers for productivity. In total, 107 developmentally disabled persons experienced self-management procedures, with diagnoses varying from profoundly to mildly retarded. In most of the studies, work productivity improved during intervention conditions. However, in almost all cases, procedural limitations prevent us from confidently attributing improvements in productivity to the self-management components of the interventions. Moreover, because of practical limitations, we cannot yet offer self-management procedures as a viable strategy to maintain work rates of developmentally disabled workers at acceptable levels throughout typical working days. Additional research is needed that goes beyond the procedural and practical limitations of previous studies.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Developmental disabilities: genetic implications.

Knowledge and new techniques in genetics can aid in a better understanding of developmental disabilities. Through new treatments and better assessment skills, individuals with disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU), Down syndrome, and fragile X syndrome are having diagnoses sooner and are living into adulthood. With the passage of public law 99.457, early intervention services are mandated for those who are 3 years old or younger and are developmentally delayed or at risk for delay. Organizations for paraprofessionals and professionals in the arena of developmental disabilities and genetics exist to create a forum for future action, awareness, and direction.

Child↗

PubMed1994

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A antibodies among residents of a centre for people with developmental disabilities.

BACKGROUND: In February 1993, 11 cases of hepatitis A virus (HAV) were identified in permanent residents of a centre for young people with developmental disabilities. AIMS: To define the extent of the outbreak in the centre, to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A antibodies (anti-HAV) in permanent residents, and to ascertain risk factors for serological evidence of HAV infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional serological survey of 270 permanent residents, aged eight to 40 years, in a centre for people with developmental disabilities, was conducted in western Sydney. Using a radioimmunoassay technique, sera were tested for anti-HAV (IgM and total antibody). We used logistic regression to determine risk factors for presence of anti-HAV. RESULTS: Blood samples were collected from 259 permanent residents (96%). Serological testing revealed anti-HAV in 128 residents tested (49%). Presence of anti-HAV was associated with living in specific residential units, and with residents' age and length of stay at the centre, but was not associated with reported behavioural factors. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the residents of the centre were susceptible to HAV infection. Behavioural characteristics of the residents and their close contact with each other make HAV transmission difficult to control. HAV vaccine should be promoted in communities at risk, such as those with developmental disabilities.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A family systems look at the developmentally disabled.

In summary, families of the developmentally disabled need to be looked at in terms of their system wholeness. Interacting elements of the subsystems have unique concerns and coping styles. Psychiatric nurses are in a key position in the mental health scene to assess these coping styles and to offer compassion, understanding, knowledge, and needed resources to assist these overburdened families to move in the direction of openness, growth, and health.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1991

Friendship among adults who have developmental disabilities.

The difference between people with developmental disabilities who did and did not have peer-group friends was investigated by interviewing 36 adults attending day centers. Those with a friend were significantly more likely to describe themselves positively on all dimensions. Results showed that people without a peer-group friend were similar to lonely people without disabilities on two of the three factors explored. Qualitative analysis of subjects' descriptions of their friends suggested that most of the people interviewed had relatively shallow relationships.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

The effect of developmental disabilities on mental health.

Behavioral abnormalities in the developmentally disabled child are usually ascribed to parental mismanagement of a child perceived as abnormal. (Review of the available data points to the existence of primary behavioral abnormalities due directly to the cerebral dysfunction.) This has important implications for parental counseling and management.

Autistic Disorder↗

PubMed1985

Nutrition intervention in developmental disabilities: an interdisciplinary approach.

The nutritional status of developmentally disabled persons is influenced by variables infrequently encountered in normal nutrition. The multitude of factors requires an approach to care that must incorporate information and assistance from a variety of disciplines. A model for viewing the network of variables is proposed as a tool for identifying voids in nutrition care and for developing appropriate plans that include interdisciplinary interactions for those persons with special needs.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence in the developmentally disabled.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the principal cause of nonenteric non-A, non-B hepatitis worldwide. While it has been well documented that people with developmental disabilities are at an increased risk for infections with hepatitis B virus, little is known of the prevalence of HCV infection among this population. METHODS: Serum samples obtained from 113 evaluable outpatients with developmental disabilities at one center in suburban New York City (NY) were tested for antibodies to HCV and hepatitis B core antibody. RESULTS: None of the 113 samples tested positive for HCV antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas 24 (21%) showed serologic evidence of past hepatitis B virus infection on the basis of hepatitis B core antibody positivity. Three (2.7%) were also positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to hepatitis B virus, HCV infection is uncommon among outpatients with developmental disabilities in suburban New York City. Further testing for HCV is indicated to determine if these results can be generalized to individuals within institutions, or to individuals in other geographic locations.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Teaching child-care skills to mothers with developmental disabilities.

The present study identified and remediated child-care skill deficits in parents with developmental disabilities to reduce their risk of child neglect. Eleven mothers with developmental disabilities who were considered by social service and child welfare agencies to be providing neglectful child care were found in baseline to have several important child-care skill deficits (e.g., bathing, diaper rash treatment, cleaning baby bottles) compared to nonhandicapped mothers. Parent training (consisting of verbal instructions, pictorial manuals, modeling, feedback, and reinforcement) resulted in rapid acquisition and maintenance of child-care skills in all mothers. Mean percentage correct scores increased from 58% in baseline to 90% in training and 91% in follow-up (M = 31 weeks). The latter two scores compare favorably to the mean score (87%) of 20 nonhandicapped mothers on the same skills. Where observable, parent training was associated with corresponding benefits to the children (e.g., elimination of diaper rash and cradle cap, increased weight gain, successful toilet training). These results indicate that parent training may be a viable option to the removal of the child from the home when parenting skill deficits place the child's well-being in jeopardy.

Adult↗