Lessons learned: A critical reflection on child- and contextual variables related to the development of children with a significant cognitive and motor developmental delay

BACKGROUND

The scientific study of young children with a significant cognitive and motor developmental delay is challenging due to the children's complex disabilities and high demands on family life and professional support. We aim to critically reflect on the measurement and analysis of child- and contextual variables within an ongoing research project on these children's developmental trajectories.

METHOD

The OJKO-project tracked the development of a sample of children (n = 45) between the age of 6 months and 4 years with a significant cognitive and motor developmental delay, in Belgium and the Netherlands.

RESULTS

The complexity of the children's disabilities and daily life context, and subsequent challenges in measurement and analysis of variables, were confirmed and reflected upon.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the uniqueness and complexity of this target group, research should be characterized by creativity, perseverance and substantial modesty in the immediate generalization of results.

Looking back, looking forward: Methodological challenges and future directions in research on persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

BACKGROUND

Within the context of the Special Interest Research Group (SIRG) on Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD), researchers often discuss the methodological problems and challenges they are confronted with. The aim of the current article was to give an overview of these challenges.

METHODS

The challenges are centred on six topics. These reflect the main components of a study's design: (a) participant demarcation, (b) participant recruitment, (c) data collection and instruments, (d) data analysis, (e) ethics/including the "voice" of persons with PIMD and (f) theoretical models.

RESULTS

Next, to describing the specific challenges, possible solutions and pathways to address them are discussed. These are illustrated by recent studies by the authors and other researchers in the field.

CONCLUSIONS

The current contribution wants to stimulate further discussion and exchange of ideas, and the development of creative research techniques.