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Dubé C, Morin AJS, Tóth-Király I, Olivier E, Tracey D, McCune VS, Craven RG, Maïano C. Social Interaction Profiles Among Youth with Intellectual Disabilities: Associations with Indicators of Psychosocial Adjustment. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:458-476. [PMID: 36342629 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05783-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the nature of the social interaction profiles observed among youth with intellectual disabilities (ID), defined while considering their relationships with their parents, peers, and teachers, as well as the implication of these profiles for self-esteem, aggressive behaviors, and prosocial behaviors. A sample of 393 youth with mild (48.2%) to moderate (51.8%) levels of ID, aged between 11 and 22 (M = 15.70), was recruited in Canada (n = 141) and Australia (n = 253). Our results revealed four profiles, corresponding to Socially Isolated (23.24%), Socially Integrated (39.83%), Socially Rejected (28.37%) and Socially Connected (8.57%) youth with ID. The socially integrated and connected profiles both presented higher self-esteem, more prosocial behaviors, and less aggressive behaviors than the socially isolated and rejected profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céleste Dubé
- Substantive-Methodological Synergy Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke W, H4B 1R6, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre J S Morin
- Substantive-Methodological Synergy Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke W, H4B 1R6, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - István Tóth-Király
- Substantive-Methodological Synergy Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke W, H4B 1R6, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Olivier
- Département de psychopédagogie et d'andragogie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Danielle Tracey
- School of Education, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Victoria Smodis McCune
- Substantive-Methodological Synergy Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke W, H4B 1R6, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rhonda G Craven
- Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christophe Maïano
- Cyberpsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO|Campus de Saint-Jérôme), Saint-Jérome, Canada
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Hodapp RM, Burack JA, Evans DW, Iarocci G. Ed Zigler as mentor: Lessons for a new generation of intellectual disability researchers. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2023; 67:289-293. [PMID: 36814138 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R M Hodapp
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - J A Burack
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - D W Evans
- Program in Neuroscience, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA
| | - G Iarocci
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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3
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Steffensen EH, Rosvig LH, Santoro S, Pedersen LH, Vogel I, Lou S. Parenting a child with Down syndrome: A qualitative study of everyday practices in Danish families. J Genet Couns 2021; 31:758-770. [PMID: 34939262 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic counseling about Down syndrome is suggested to include information on a future family life. However, there is an insufficient knowledge on the potential impact of parenting a child with Down syndrome on parents' everyday practices. We aimed to address this gap by exploring the experienced everyday practices of parents in families where a child has Down syndrome. Taking a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 parents of children with Down syndrome aged 4-12 years. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified two themes concerned with the parents' practice. The first, 'Supporting our child', describes how the parents perceived their child as a valuable human being and how this perception founded parents' support of the child's development and social interactions. The second, 'Managing our family life', demonstrates how the parents acted to manage a family life that had become the 'new normal' including being alert toward the child, shaping the practical and logistical framework of daily life, and balancing between being at home and away from home. Overall, the analysis presents an everyday practice aimed at a desirable future for the child with Down syndrome and at a management of everyday life on the family's own terms. In conclusion, this study provides specific knowledge on parents' everyday practice, which may inform genetic counseling about Down syndrome and be of value to service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Hollands Steffensen
- Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lena Have Rosvig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Stephanie Santoro
- Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lars Henning Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ida Vogel
- Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stina Lou
- Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Defactum - Public Health & Health Services Research, Aarhus, Denmark
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Ed Zigler's developmental approach to intellectual disabilities: Past, present, and future contributions. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 33:453-465. [PMID: 33955339 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420002084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Comprising two parts, Ed Zigler's developmental approach has greatly influenced how one conceptualizes children with intellectual disabilities (ID). In part one, Zigler championed a "two-group approach" concerning the cause of children's ID. He distinguished persons with a clear, organic cause of their ID from those displaying no clear cause. Members of this "organic" group often displayed IQs below 50 and co-occurring physical-medical conditions. The second, "cultural-familial" group, mostly showed IQs of 50-70, did not possess co-occurring physical or health problems, and often came from families of lower IQs and lower socioeconomic status. While the presence of these two groups has been supported, recent advances have also further differentiated the organic group, mostly in relation to behavioral phenotypes of persons with several genetic etiologies. In part two, Zigler championed the child with ID as a "whole person." Originally focused on the child's reactions to social deprivation and failure, recent studies directly examine parent-child, within-family, and wider system interactions throughout the life span. For decades a force within the ID field, Zigler's developmental approach to children with ID continues to influence researchers, interventionists, and policymakers.
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Baker K, Devine RT, Ng-Cordell E, Raymond FL, Hughes C. Childhood intellectual disability and parents' mental health: integrating social, psychological and genetic influences. Br J Psychiatry 2021; 218:315-322. [PMID: 32157975 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2020.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intellectual disability has a complex effect on the well-being of affected individuals and their families. Previous research has identified multiple risk and protective factors for parental mental health, including socioeconomic circumstances and child behaviour. AIMS This study explored whether genetic cause of childhood intellectual disability contributes to parental well-being. METHOD Children from across the UK with intellectual disability due to diverse genetic causes were recruited to the IMAGINE-ID study. Primary carers completed the Development and Well-being Assessment, including a measure of parental distress (Everyday Feeling Questionnaire). Genetic diagnoses were broadly categorised into aneuploidy, chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variants (CNVs) and single nucleotide variants. RESULTS Compared with the UK general population, IMAGINE-ID parents (n = 888) reported significantly elevated emotional distress (Cohen's d = 0.546). Within-sample variation was related to recent life events and the perceived impact of children's difficulties. Impact was predicted by child age, physical disability, autistic characteristics and other behavioural difficulties. Genetic diagnosis also predicted impact, indirectly influencing parental well-being. Specifically, CNVs were associated with higher impact, not explained by CNV inheritance, neighbourhood deprivation or family structure. CONCLUSIONS The mental health of parents caring for a child with intellectual disability is influenced by child and family factors, converging on parental appraisal of impact. We found that genetic aetiologies, broadly categorised, also influence impact and thereby family risks. Recognition of these risk factors could improve access to support for parents, reduce their long-term mental health needs and improve well-being of individuals with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Baker
- Programme Leader Track and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Genetics, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Rory T Devine
- Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Elise Ng-Cordell
- Research Assistant, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - F Lucy Raymond
- Professor of Medical Genetics and Neurodevelopment, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Claire Hughes
- Professor and Deputy Director, Centre for Family Research, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK
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Fitzgerald J, Gallagher L. Parental stress and adjustment in the context of rare genetic syndromes: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2021; 26:1744629521995378. [PMID: 33866895 PMCID: PMC9168905 DOI: 10.1177/1744629521995378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal abnormalities are now considered a common cause of intellectual disability. With increased genetic testing, phenotyping and technological advancements, many new syndromes have been identified. This review sought to explore parental stress and adjustment in the context of rare genetic syndromes to evaluate their clinical impact. A systematic review of English peer-reviewed literature across three databases (PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL) was completed and 69 articles were included. Parents of children with rare genetic syndromes experienced greater distress relative to other disabilities. Differences in parental wellbeing were syndrome-specific relative to ASD thus demonstrating the need to consider the contribution of syndrome-specific phenotypes. Child emotional and behavioural difficulties were the most consistent predictor of parental distress. Research reflecting other factors such as physical health, syndrome-specific behaviours, benefit finding and, parental appraisal in the context of a rare genetic aetiology is required in order to support parental adjustment in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Children Health Ireland at Tallaght Hospital, Ireland;
Cherry Orchard Hospital, Ireland
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Abstract
This paper, written in honor of Professor Ed Zigler, focuses on some of the themes in developmental disabilities research that were so central to his work. It has now been nearly 80 years since Leo Kanner first identified the prototypic form - early infantile autism - of what is now autism spectrum disorder. In this article we summarize the development of the concept and the important accumulation of knowledge over time that has now led us to the recognition of a broader autism phenotype just as, at the same time, the current official diagnostic system in the USA has narrowed the concept. We also address current controversies regarding autism as the diagnosis is impacted by age and developmental factors, gender, and cultural issues. In parallel to the work on intellectual deficiency and development pioneered by Zigler and his colleagues, we summarize some of the challenges for the years ahead.
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Burack JA, Evans DW, Russo N, Napoleon JS, Goldman KJ, Iarocci G. Developmental Perspectives on the Study of Persons with Intellectual Disability. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2021; 17:339-363. [PMID: 33561363 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-090532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Developmental approaches provide inclusive, universal, and methodologically rigorous frameworks for studying persons with intellectual disability (ID). This is an exceptionally heterogeneous group with regard to etiology, genotype, and phenotype that simply shares the traditional diagnostic criteria, typically a score of two standard deviations below the population mean of 100 on standardized IQ tests and deficits in adaptive behavior. We trace the foundational, conceptual, and methodological roots of developmental approaches and highlight ways that these and more recent iterations continue to be central to advances in the increasingly nuanced study of persons with ID. This work is premised on the consideration of specific etiological groupings and subgroupings across and between different domains of functioning within the context of familial and complex environments throughout the life span. We highlight the potential contributions of advances in behavioral methodologies, genomics, and neuroscience when considered within universal and hierarchic frameworks based on development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Burack
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y2, Canada; ,
| | - David W Evans
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania 17837, USA;
| | - Natalie Russo
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13078, USA;
| | - Jenilee-Sarah Napoleon
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y2, Canada; ,
| | | | - Grace Iarocci
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada;
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Sheldon JP, Oliver M, Yashar BM. Rewards and challenges of parenting a child with Down syndrome: a qualitative study of fathers' perceptions. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 43:3562-3573. [PMID: 32255374 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1745907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Most studies on parenting children with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities have focused on stress and coping; however, research has shown many rewards in parenting such children. Additionally, most research has assessed mothers' rather than fathers' perspectives. To take steps toward filling these literature gaps, we asked fathers of children with Down syndrome about their parenting experiences.Methods: Participants were 175 fathers of children with Down syndrome. Open-ended questions asked fathers what they found most rewarding and challenging about parenting a child with Down syndrome. Researchers coded responses using inductive content analysis.Results: Key themes for rewards included: (1) Child's Positive Attributes and Behaviors; (2) Rewarding Father-Child Relationship; (3) Child Has Positively Changed Father; and (4) Father's Positive Relationship with Others. Key themes for challenges included: (1) Father's Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviors; (2) Child's Challenging Behavior and Development; (3) System and Institutional Problems; and (4) Other People's Negative Attitudes/Behaviors.Conclusions: Rewards mainly concerned the father-child bond and the loving, happy child. Fathers rarely mentioned financial stressors or their children's negative behaviors. Instead, many fathers reported children's speech problems. Our findings may assist healthcare professionals in providing more beneficial resources and interventions (especially language-related ones) to families with a child with Down syndrome.Implications for rehabilitationConsistent with a positive psychology approach, fathers reported more rewards than challenges in raising a child with Down syndrome.There may be a need for greater involvement of fathers in language interventions for children with Down syndrome.Healthcare professionals can assist parents of children with Down syndrome in recognizing parenting rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane P Sheldon
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, USA
| | - Mary Oliver
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Beverly M Yashar
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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10
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Ridding A, Williams J. Being a dad to a child with Down's syndrome: Overcoming the challenges to adjustment. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2019; 32:678-690. [PMID: 30632665 PMCID: PMC6850302 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Historically, research exploring the impact of having a child with an Intellectual Disability (ID), has focussed exclusively on mothers. The present study aimed to investigate fathers’ experiences of parenting a child with Down's syndrome (DS), their contributions, influences on family functioning and inclusion in their child's support provision. Method Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 fathers. Interviews were analysed using Grounded Theory (GT). Results Fathers’ adjustment appeared to be on a fluid trajectory with three key categories influencing this: “Accommodating the Child,” “Adapting the Parental/Spousal Role” and “Adapting Society.” Conclusions The accounts uncovered fathers’ adjustment trajectory to parenting a child with DS, concluding that despite practical and emotional challenges, fathers employed strategies to achieve positive adjustment. Fathers identified the need for services to recognize their role and involve them in their child's support provision. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
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11
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Adams D, Hastings RP, Alston-Knox C, Cianfaglione R, Eden K, Felce D, Griffith G, Moss J, Stinton C, Oliver C. Using Bayesian methodology to explore the profile of mental health and well-being in 646 mothers of children with 13 rare genetic syndromes in relation to mothers of children with autism. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:185. [PMID: 30359268 PMCID: PMC6203267 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0924-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well documented that mothers of children with intellectual disabilities or autism experience elevated stress, with mental health compromised. However, comparatively little is known about mothers of children with rare genetic syndromes. This study describes mental health and well-being in mothers of children with 13 rare genetic syndromes and contrasts the results with mothers of children with autism. METHODS Mothers of children with 13 genetic syndromes (n = 646; Angelman, Cornelia de Lange, Down, Fragile-X, Phelan McDermid, Prader-Willi, Rett, Rubenstein Taybi, Smith Magenis, Soto, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, 1p36 deletion and 8p23 deletion syndromes) and mothers of children with autism (n = 66) completed measures of positive mental health, stress and depression. Using Bayesian methodology, the influence of syndrome, child ability, and mother and child age were explored in relation to each outcome. Bayesian Model Averaging was used to explore maternal depression, positive gain and positive affect, and maternal stress was tested using an ordinal probit regression model. RESULTS Different child and mother factors influenced different aspects of mental well-being, and critically, the importance of these factors differed between syndromes. Maternal depression was influenced by child ability in only four syndromes, with the other syndromes reporting elevated or lower levels of maternal depression regardless of child factors. Maternal stress showed a more complex pattern of interaction with child ability, and for some groups, child age. Within positive mental health, mother and child age were more influential than child ability. Some syndromes reported comparable levels of depression (SMS, 1p36, CdLS) and stress (SMS, AS) to mothers of children with autism. CONCLUSIONS Bayesian methodology was used in a novel manner to explore factors that explain variability in mental health amongst mothers of children with rare genetic disorders. Significant proportions of mothers of children with specific genetic syndromes experienced levels of depression and stress similar to those reported by mothers of children with autism. Identifying such high-risk mothers allows for potential early intervention and the implementation of support structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Adams
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Autism Centre of Excellence, School of Education and Professional Studies, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Richard P Hastings
- Centre for Educational Development Appraisal and Research, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - Clair Alston-Knox
- Griffith Social and Behavioural Research College, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rina Cianfaglione
- Welsh Centre for Learning Disabilities, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kate Eden
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - David Felce
- Welsh Centre for Learning Disabilities, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Jo Moss
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Chris Stinton
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Chris Oliver
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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Will EA, Caravella KE, Hahn LJ, Fidler DJ, Roberts JE. Adaptive behavior in infants and toddlers with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:358-368. [PMID: 29399949 PMCID: PMC7294771 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) experience deficits across all domains of adaptive functioning, however little is known about the emergence and age-related changes of these impairments compared to other neurogenetic disorders with similar intellectual disability impairments, such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). Adaptive behavior is key for optimal functioning in these populations. Participants aged 5-45 months comprised three age-matched groups, DS (n = 64), FXS (n = 69), and typically developing controls (TD; n = 69). Adaptive behavior was measured on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II. Regressions were used to examine adaptive behavior in a cross-sectional design across age. DS infants and toddlers evidenced deficits across all areas of adaptive behaviors compared to the age-matched TD group, with clear impairments present in the first year of life. Motor skills were the area of greatest weakness in children with DS with significant impairment evident at 12 months of age that remained low through 3 years. Compared to age-matched children with FXS, children with DS showed initially lower standard scores at 12 months of age, but slower declines in standard scores across age, resulting in less impaired functioning at 36 months. This is the first study to compare adaptive behavior in infants and toddlers with DS to FXS, and demonstrate the phenotypic specificity of adaptive profiles in this diagnostic group. These findings provide evidence that adaptive behavior should be a major target of intervention in children with FXS and DS, and that these differences are potentially driven by unique etiologies attributable to each disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Will
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Kelly E Caravella
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Laura J Hahn
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
| | - Deborah J Fidler
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Jane E Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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Cuskelly M, Gilmore L, Glenn S, Jobling A. Delay of gratification: a comparison study of children with Down syndrome, moderate intellectual disability and typical development. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2016; 60:865-873. [PMID: 26939724 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-regulation has been found to be an important contributor to a range of outcomes, with delay of gratification (a self-regulatory skill) predicting better academic, social and personal functioning. There is some evidence that individuals with Down syndrome have difficulty with delay of gratification. We investigated the question of whether this difficulty is common to intellectual disability irrespective of aetiology, or whether it presents a particular problem for those with Down syndrome. The latter was considered a possibility because of language difficulties in this group. METHOD Three groups of children with a mean MA between 36 and 60 months participated in the study: children with Down syndrome (n = 32), children with a moderate intellectual disability from a cause other than Down syndrome (n = 26) and typically developing children (n = 50). Children completed a series of measures of language and cognitive functioning and participated in a delay of gratification task. RESULTS The group of children with Down syndrome delayed for a significantly shorter time than either of the other two groups that did not differ from each other. Receptive language was associated with delay time for the children with Down syndrome but not for the typically developing group, nor for the group with moderate intellectual disability. CONCLUSIONS Children with Down syndrome appear to have a particular difficulty with delay of gratification. Language abilities would seem to be implicated in this difficulty, although further examination of this hypothesis is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cuskelly
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - L Gilmore
- Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - S Glenn
- School of Social & Community Studies, Faculty of Health & Applied Social Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - A Jobling
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Cuskelly M. Contributors to Adult Sibling Relationships and Intention to Care of Siblings of Individuals With Down Syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 121:204-218. [PMID: 27119212 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-121.3.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of childhood sibling relationships to adult sibling relationships and intention to provide care was investigated in a sample in which one member of each dyad had Down syndrome. Thirty-nine adult siblings of an adult with Down syndrome who had participated in a study of sibling relationships in childhood/adolescence provided data about the quality of current relationships and of their intention to provide care for their brother/sister with Down syndrome in the future. Only behavior problems in the child with Down syndrome predicted warmth of the current adult relationship. Although adult sibling relationships were reported to be warm, the quality of neither the current nor the past relationship was associated with the reported intention to provide care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cuskelly
- Monica Cuskelly, The University of Queensland, School of Education, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Miodrag N, Burke M, Tanner-Smith E, Hodapp RM. Adverse health in parents of children with disabilities and chronic health conditions: a meta-analysis using the parenting stress index's health sub-domain. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2015; 59:257-71. [PMID: 24762325 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with parents of same-aged children without disabilities, parents of children with disabilities and with chronic health conditions (CHC) show higher levels of stress and depression. Fewer studies, however, examine the physical health of these parents, and studies report mixed findings. Many studies, however, report mother's self-reported health using the Health Sub-domain of Abidin's Parenting Stress Index (PSI). We therefore conducted a meta-analysis comparing the physical health of parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) and CHC vs. parents of children without DD/CHC in studies utilising this measure. METHODS Eligible studies used the long form of the PSI and reported results from the 5-item Health sub-domain. Group comparison effect sizes were synthesised in a meta-analysis, and we also examined the potential relations of child, parent, and study characteristics. Our search yielded 19 eligible studies. RESULTS Compared with parents of children without DD/CHC, parents of children with DD/CHC reported higher PSI health problem scores, with a weighted mean effect size of 0.39 (95% CI = 0.23-0.55). Effect sizes ranged from -0.13 to 1.46 and there was evidence of heterogeneity in the effect sizes (τ2 = 0.07; Q18 = 48.64, P < 0.01; I2 = 63.0%). Studies with higher numbers of reporting quality indicators generally reported larger effects and more recent studies showed smaller effects. Although several child and parent characteristics were moderately associated with effect sizes, none reached statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Practitioners should be alerted to the need for health prevention and treatment in this at-risk parent group.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Miodrag
- Child and Adolescent Development, California State University, Los Angeles, California, USA
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The Impact on the Family of Four Neurogenetic Syndromes: A Comparative Study of Parental Views. J Genet Couns 2015; 24:851-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s10897-015-9820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Finucane B, Haas-Givler B, Simon EW. Knowledge and perceptions about fragile X syndrome: implications for diagnosis, intervention, and research. INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2013; 51:226-236. [PMID: 23909584 DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-51.4.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We surveyed 439 professionals in the field of autism to assess their knowledge and perceptions about fragile X syndrome (FXS) and related issues. Almost half had worked with at least one child diagnosed with FXS, yet most lacked basic knowledge about the condition, underestimated its significance in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders, and rarely accessed fragile X-specific resources. A majority perceived etiology to be an important variable in therapeutic response while three quarters felt that professionals in the field of autism should play an active role in referring children for etiological evaluation. Despite these opinions, most respondents either rarely or never inquired about etiology when working with a new client. The survey results underscore the need for training and education so that autism professionals can become effective partners in diagnostic genetic referral and in research and implementation of syndrome-specific interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Finucane
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health System, 250 Reitz Blvd., Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA.
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