Social interaction interventions for youth with severe disabilities should emphasize interdependence

Let's talk about it: Peer victimization experiences as reported by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience high rates of peer victimization; yet, their personal experiences and perceptions of such victimization are not well understood. In this qualitative investigation, responses to questions about bullying and teasing were examined to gain insight into the perception of peer victimization as reported by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. While the majority of participants provided examples of peer victimization, their situations differed from items typically assessed on bullying questionnaires. Participants were also able to provide explanations for why they believe they are targets and descriptions of their reactions to bullying. Findings from the interviews are used to provide suggestions for the development of more informative bullying assessments and prevention programs for students with autism spectrum disorder.

Social interaction with adults with severe intellectual disability: having fun and hanging out

BACKGROUND

Social interaction is integral to social inclusion. Little is known about the nature of social interaction between adults with severe intellectual disability and those with whom they engage.

METHOD

Participants were six adults with intellectual disability and people identified as those with whom they shared demonstrable pleasurable interactions. Data were collected through observation and interviews, and data were analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

An overarching category of sharing time together with two main sub-categories of Having fun and Hanging out emerged. Having fun was composed of routines and comedic interaction; hanging out was comprised of contact and presence.

CONCLUSIONS

Legitimizing mirth and sharing time in social interactions may supplement paid worker job satisfaction and increase opportunities for social inclusion by people with severe intellectual disability.

Adaptive behavior among adults with intellectual disabilities and its relationship to community independence

This study examined relationships between general adaptive behavior and the degree of community independence displayed by 272 adults with intellectual disabilities. Specifically, the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System--Second Edition (ABAS-II; Harrison & Oakland, 2003 ) was completed for each participant and compared with actual levels of work and residential independence. The participants' adaptive behavior accounted for 40%-43% of the variance in their work and residence independence. The results from this field-based study indicated that participants who displayed higher levels of adaptive behavior generally worked and lived more independently. Participants with the lowest general adaptive behavior required the highest degree of community supports. Implications of these findings are discussed.

"I like others to not try to fix me": agency, independence, and autism

This article is based on an interpretevist, qualitative research project conducted with individuals labeled with autism who type to communicate. Researchers engaged in participant observation and conducted open-ended interviews with 9 participants who were working to develop independent typing skills. Three findings emerged from this research. First, participants shaped a notion of independence that included dependence on various supports. Second, researchers recognized the concept of agency in the interactions between participants and their communication facilitators. Third, participants exercised control of their lives through these expressions of agency.

Factors associated with leisure activity among young adults with developmental disabilities

The framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was applied to examine the factors associated with childhood impairment and leisure activity. Information on leisure activity was obtained using a structured questionnaire from a population-based cohort of young adults with childhood impairment. The results underscore the differences in leisure lifestyles by impairment type and severity. Activity limitations, educational attainment, and the acquisition of adult social roles were significant predictors of leisure activity. This study emphasizes the importance of improving daily activities, increasing attendance of postsecondary school and opportunities for competitive employment and participation in impairment-related programs to help increase the number and scope of types of leisure activities for young adults with developmental disabilities.

Sexualidade e o adolescente com deficiência mental: uma revisão bibliográfica

Com o objetivo de discutir a sexualidade de adolescentes com deficiência mental e as repercussões familiares do adolescer, realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica a partir da base de dados da Bireme, analisando a produção de 1990 a 2003 sobre o tema. Os artigos mostram que os pais se deparam com novos desafios para a integração social dos seus filhos com deficiência mental quando estes chegam à adolescência, especialmente com o despertar de sua sexualidade genital. Os trabalhos corroboram que os preconceitos no campo da sexualidade ainda estão presentes. Fica evidente o temor diante das manifestações sexuais desses adolescentes, como a masturbação, e a dificuldade dos pais em lidar com a situação. Pelo receio do abuso sexual e da gravidez decorrente, métodos contraceptivos, inclusive a esterilização, são discutidos. A revisão da literatura indica, enfim, que o desenvolvimento da sexualidade se dá igualmente nos adolescentes com e sem deficiência, mas são atribuídas representações distintas aos dois grupos. Conclui-se que a ampliação do debate aos pais e adolescentes com deficiência pode contribuir para que eles tenham uma vivência da sexualidade com menos estigmas, menos exposta a riscos e, conseqüentemente, mais satisfatória.