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Wandin H, Lindberg P, Sonnander K. Aided language modelling, responsive communication and eye-gaze technology as communication intervention for adults with Rett syndrome: three experimental single case studies. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 18:1011-1025. [PMID: 34455895 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2021.1967469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the effect of a communication intervention package on expressive communication and visual attention in individuals with Rett syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS A modified withdrawal (A-B1-A1-B2-A2) single case experimental design with a direct inter-subject replication across three participants was applied. Three women with Rett syndrome participated. The study took place over a six-week period and comprised 32 sessions with each participant. All sessions were video recorded. During the intervention the communication partner used aided language modelling on a gaze-controlled device in combination with using responsive partner strategies. Expressive communication was assessed as synthesised words per minute and unique synthesised words per minute. Visual attention was assessed as rate of focused gazes (1 s or longer) in interaction. RESULTS An intervention effect was found on the rate of unique words for all participants. The rate of words increased for two participants when the intervention was introduced but no withdrawal effect could be seen. An intervention effect on visual attention could be seen for one participant. The intervention appeared to have social validity as reported by caregivers. CONCLUSION Aided language modelling (ALM), while using responsive partner strategies and a gaze-controlled device may be used with adult individuals with Rett syndrome to increase their rate of expressive communication. Detailed observational measures revealed individual learning patterns, which may provide clinically valuable insights.Implications for RehabilitationAdults with Rett syndrome may benefit from access to gaze-controlled devices in combination with responsive partner strategies.Responsive partner communication may be effective for some individuals with Rett syndrome to increase their rate of synthesised utterances.Rate of focused gazes may be considered as an outcome measure for individuals with oculomotor difficulties when introducing aided language modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wandin
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Research in Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Swedish National Center for Rett Syndrome and Related Disorders, Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Frösön, Sweden
| | - P Lindberg
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Research in Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Wandin H, Lindberg P, Sonnander K. A trained communication partner’s use of responsive strategies in aided communication with three adults with Rett syndrome: A case report. Front Psychol 2022; 13:989319. [PMID: 36248576 PMCID: PMC9559184 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.989319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeTo explore and describe a trained communication partner’s use of responsive strategies in dyadic interaction with adults with Rett syndrome.IntroductionResponsive partner strategies facilitate social, communicative, and linguistic development. The common feature is that the communication partner responds contingently to the other’s focus of attention and interprets their acts as communicative. Research on responsive partner strategies that involves individuals with significant communication and motor disabilities remains sparse. The same applies to if, and how, the use of communication aids impacts on the partner’s use of responsive strategies.Materials and methodsA therapist, trained in responsive partner strategies and aided communication interacted during 14 sessions with each of three participants. The participants were adults with Rett syndrome. A gaze-controlled device and responsive strategies were used during all sessions. The Responsive Augmentative and Alternative Communication Style scale (RAACS) was used to assess the partner’s responsiveness. RAACS consists of 11 items including ratings of to what extent the partner is being attentive to, confirms, and expands the individual’s communication. During eight of the 14 sessions, aided AAC Modelling was also used, i.e., the communication partner pointed at symbols on the gaze-controlled device while interacting. In addition to RAACS, each time the communication partner confirmed or expanded on communication when (a) the participants used the gaze-controlled device and (b) the participants did not use the gaze-controlled device was counted. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Non-parametric tests were used to compare means between the two conditions and between participants.ResultsInter-rater agreement for the different RAACS items ranged from 0.73 to 0.96 and was thus found to be fair to excellent. The communication partner’s use of responsive strategies varied when communicating with different participants and the scores were higher when aided AAC modeling was used. The communication partner’s number of responses and use of responsive strategies were higher when the participants communicated through a gaze-controlled device.ConclusionThe communication partner’s use of responsive and scaffolding strategies is not a fixed construct but varies in interactions with different non-speaking persons. The same is true whether the non-speaking person uses a gaze-controlled device with digitized speech or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Wandin
- Disability and Habilitation, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- National Center for Rett Syndrome and Related Disorders, Frösön, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Helena Wandin,
| | - Per Lindberg
- Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Disability and Habilitation, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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von Granitz H, Sonnander K, Reine I, Winblad U. Do personal assistance activities promote participation in society for persons with disabilities in Sweden? A five-year longitudinal study. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 44:3973-3981. [PMID: 33721545 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1897691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore whether the personal assistance (PA) activities provided by the Swedish Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairment in 2010 and 2015 promote participation in society according to Article 19 of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). METHODS Register data and data from two questionnaires were used (N = 2565). Descriptive statistics and chi-square (McNemar's test) were used to describe the basic features of the data. Mixed binominal logistic regression was used to examine correlation between gender and hours of PA between 2010 and 2015. RESULTS Despite an increase in the number of PA hours, more care activities and a reduction of most PA activities representing an active life were found. The result was especially evident for women, older people, and for a particular person category. CONCLUSIONS The results offer evidence of a shift to a medical model and indicate a risk of social exclusion due to fewer activities representing an active life. An increase on average of 16 h of PA over the period studied does not guarantee access to an active life and may indicate a marginal utility. The noted decline of PA for participation in society enhances the importance of monitoring content aspects to fulfil Article 19 of the UNCRPD.Implications for RehabilitationPersonal assistance (PA) in Sweden is a supportive measure for persons with disabilities; however, there are few studies to show whether PA activities are fulfilling disability rights of participation in society.The results show that PA activities are used more for medical care and home-based services over the five-year period.The study highlights the importance of monitoring aspects of content to ensure that the activities of PA comply with the policy objectives of the LSS legislation and Article 19 of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), i.e., full participation in society. Monitoring efforts should include individualised planning and follow-up, moreover, ensure compliance with social service capacity at PA providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heléne von Granitz
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Health Services Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ieva Reine
- Statistics Unit, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ulrika Winblad
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Health Services Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Tegler H, Pless M, Blom Johansson M, Sonnander K. Caregivers', teachers', and assistants' use and learning of partner strategies in communication using high-tech speech-generating devices with children with severe cerebral palsy. Assist Technol 2021; 33:17-25. [PMID: 30843763 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2019.1581303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication with speech generating devices (SGDs) with children with severe physical, communicative and cognitive impairments, such as children with cerebral palsy (CP), can be difficult. Use of partner strategies facilitates the communication and instructional approaches such as feedback and role play facilitate communication partners' learning in how to use partner strategies. To describe communication partners' use and learning about partner strategies in SGD-mediated communication with children with severe CP. Questionnaires (n = 65) were sent to caregivers (n = 30), teachers (n = 17), and teaching or personal assistants (n = 18) of children with severe CP. Response rate was 80%. To ask open-ended questions was the most frequently used partner strategy and aided augmented input the least frequently used partner strategy. Most commonly, participants learned partner strategies from speech and language pathologists (SLPs) who used verbal instructions when teaching partner strategies but seldom or never feedback, role play or video examples. Communication partners' learning about partner strategies in SGD-mediated communication is inadequate and needs to be improved. SLPs, who are the main prescribers of SGDs and responsible for training and support in using them, should consider using instructional approaches when teaching communication partners about partner strategies in communication with an SGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Tegler
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden.,Health and Habilitation Services, Uppsala County Council , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mia Pless
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monica Blom Johansson
- Department of Neuroscience, Speech-Language Pathology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
This was a two-phase study that aimed to (a) develop a tool for assessing visual attention in individuals with Rett syndrome using AAC with a communication partner during naturalistic interactions in clinical settings; and (b) explore aspects of the tool's reliability, validity, and utility. The Assessment of Visual Attention in Interaction (AVAI) tool was developed to assess visual attention operationalized as focused gazes (1 s or longer) at the communication partner, an object, and a symbol set. For the study, six video-recorded interactions with nine female participants diagnosed with Rett syndrome (range: 15-52-years-old) were used to calculate intra- and inter-rater agreement, and 18 recorded interactions were analyzed to examine sensitivity to change and acceptability. There was a significant difference in the AVAI results between two conditions (with and without aided-language modeling). Inter-rater agreement ranged from moderate and strong. There was a range in scores, indicating that the AVAI could differentiate between participants. The AVAI was found to be reliable, able to detect change, and acceptable to the participants. This tool could potentially be used for evaluating interventions that utilize aided AAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Wandin
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Swedish National Center for Rett Syndrome and Related Disorders, Frösön, Sweden
| | - Per Lindberg
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Jansson L, Sonnander K, Wiesel FA. Clients with long-term mental disabilities in a Swedish county—conditions of life, needs of support and unmet needs of service provided by the public health and social service sectors. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 18:296-305. [PMID: 14611925 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2003.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to identify and describe conditions of life and needs of support and public service for clients with a mental disability in a Swedish county population.MethodsPublic health care and social service providers identified clients and completed a questionnaire concerning the clients’ conditions of life and their special needs. A consecutively recruited sample of clients completed a similar questionnaire.ResultsTotally, 1261 clients were identified. The prevalence of clients with mental disabilities was in the urban and rural areas, 6.4/1000 inhabitants and 4.5/1000 inhabitants, respectively. The most prevalent unmet need (42.9%) was to participate in social and scheduled activities. Almost half of the group was reported to need support in activities of daily living. Clients living in urban settings more often needed support with activities of daily living (P < 0.001), whereas clients living in rural settings more often needed support with job training (P < 0.001) or finding work (P < 0.01). Clients and psychiatric care providers reported the needs of the clients in the same areas; however, clients reported a fewer number of needs than did the care providers.ConclusionsBy using both psychiatric care and social service providers, effective case findings of clients with a mental disability were possible to achieve. In general, there was high agreement between psychiatric care providers and clients regarding the clients’ number of needs of support and their unmet needs of service. However, at the individual level, the agreement between client and psychiatric care providers was lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Jansson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Ulleråker, Uppsala University Hospital, 750 17 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Drevin J, Hallqvist J, Sonnander K, Rosenblad A, Pingel R, Bjelland EK. Childhood abuse and unplanned pregnancies: a cross-sectional study of women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. BJOG 2019; 127:438-446. [PMID: 31802594 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study if childhood emotional, physical and sexual abuse are determinants for having an unplanned pregnancy, if the categories of abuse interact, and if a potential bias due to the selection of the participants (collider stratification bias) could explain the effect of childhood abuse. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING The study is based on the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and uses data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. SAMPLE Women participating in the MoBa for the first time, ≥18 years of age who responded to questions regarding childhood abuse and pregnancy planning (n = 76 197). METHODS Data were collected using questionnaires. We conducted analyses using modified Poisson regressions and the relative excess risks due to interaction (RERI). Sensitivity analyses were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE An unplanned pregnancy (yes/no). RESULTS Exposure to childhood emotional (adjusted relative risk [RR] 1.14, 95% CI 1.10-1.19), physical (adjusted RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.18) and sexual (adjusted RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14-1.27) abuse increased the risk of having an unplanned pregnancy. The effects could not be explained by the collider stratification bias. The different combinations of categories of abuse did not show any interaction effects. CONCLUSIONS Childhood emotional, physical and sexual abuses separately increase the risk of having an unplanned pregnancy. The results indicate that victims of childhood abuse are in greater need of support to achieve their reproductive goals. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Childhood abuse increases the risk of having an unplanned pregnancy. #reproductivehealth #epitwitter.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Drevin
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Hallqvist
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Rosenblad
- Department of Statistics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R Pingel
- Department of Statistics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E K Bjelland
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
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Tegler H, Pless M, Blom Johansson M, Sonnander K. Speech and language pathologists’ perceptions and practises of communication partner training to support children’s communication with high-tech speech generating devices. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2018; 14:581-589. [DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1475515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Tegler
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Health and Habilitation Services, Uppsala county Council, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mia Pless
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monica Blom Johansson
- Department of Neuroscience, Speech-Language Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Montgomery C, Hellström Westas L, Strand Brodd K, Sonnander K, Persson K. The Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants has convergent and discriminant validity in preterm and term infants. Acta Paediatr 2017; 106:740-748. [PMID: 28164371 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Methods are needed to evaluate the level of early motor development and quality of motor performance in infants. We examined the convergent and discriminant validity of the Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants (SOMP-I) for evaluating the level of motor development and quality of motor performance in preterm and term infants. METHODS A regional cohort of 111 preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks and 72 healthy term born infants were assessed with the SOMP-I, at two, four, six and 10 months of corrected age. Convergent validity was analysed with a mixed model analysis of the motor performance over time. Discriminant validity was analysed with the Mann-Whitney U-test in groups with different neonatal characteristics. RESULTS Convergent validity was supported, as the level of motor development increased with age and the quality of motor performance improved over time. The method discriminated for both level and quality between the preterm and the term infants. The preterm infants demonstrated different quality deficits regardless of the level of motor development. CONCLUSION Convergent validity and discriminant validity of the SOMP-I were supported in preterm and term infants and facilitates early identification of infants with atypical motor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Montgomery
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | | | - Katarina Strand Brodd
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences; Disability and Habilitation; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Kristina Persson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
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Reine I, Palmer E, Sonnander K. Social wellbeing for persons with an acquired brain injury, receiving assistance allowance. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw174.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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von Granitz H, Reine I, Sonnander K, Winblad U. Do personal assistance activities promote participation for persons with disabilities in Sweden? Disabil Rehabil 2016; 39:2512-2521. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1236405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heléne von Granitz
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ieva Reine
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Winblad
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Reine I, Palmer E, Sonnander K. Are there gender differences in wellbeing related to work status among persons with severe impairments? Scand J Public Health 2016; 44:772-783. [PMID: 27678248 DOI: 10.1177/1403494816669638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to analyse gender differences in wellbeing, as related to work status, among working-age people with severe impairments. METHODS This study is based on register and survey data for a sample of 7298 persons, drawn from the entire Swedish population of 15,515 working-age people 16-64 years old who, at the end of 2010, received Sweden's unique personal assistance allowance, an allowance paid from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) to persons with severe impairments, enabling them to pay for assistants to support them in the functions of daily life. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the strength of relations between six measures of wellbeing, work status (not working, irregular work and regular work) and gender, together with key confounders. RESULTS Of the persons surveyed, 21% responded that they had regular work. Gender differences were found for all confounders, except for age. They were mostly in favour of men, which could reflect the general pattern in the labour market at large. Our results indicated there are substantial differences between non-working, irregularly working and working persons for several wellbeing aspects. CONCLUSIONS This study analyses the contributions to wellbeing of work participation among working-age people with severe impairments, with a focus on gender differences. The analysis shows that work is an important determinant of the six measures of wellbeing examined, where the relationship between work participation and wellbeing is especially strong for peoples' perceived standard of living. This major finding holds for both genders; however, the data show gender imbalance, in that compared with women, there was a larger percentage of men with severe impairments who have regular work. Future research should focus on finer distinctions between the types of work and the value added of personal assistants in the work context. Measures of general health not available for this study are needed to filter out a clearer picture of the interaction of work and well-being. Despite drawbacks, this study is nevertheless path-breaking in its focus on the value of work participation for the well-being of persons with severe impairments. For this reason, it provides a valuable extension of our knowledge and a clear point of departure for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Reine
- 1 Department of Analysis and Forecast, Swedish Social Insurance Agency (SSIA), Stockholm, Sweden.,2 Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Edward Palmer
- 3 Department of Economics, Uppsala Centre of Labor Studies, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,4 Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- 2 Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Johansen K, Lucas S, Bokström P, Persson K, Sonnander K, Magnusson M, Sarkadi A. 'Now I use words like asymmetry and unstable': nurses' experiences in using a standardized assessment for motor performance within routine child health care. J Eval Clin Pract 2016; 22:227-34. [PMID: 26489378 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES There is an increasing recognition that early intervention is important for children with motor disorders. The use of standardized assessment methods within the Swedish Child Health Services (CHS) may improve early identification of these children and thereby their development and quality of care. Given the key role of nurses within the CHS, we explored their experiences of using a structured assessment of motor performance (SOMP-I) in a clinical setting, and investigated possible barriers and facilitators for implementation of the method within the CHS. METHODS The study was conducted in 2013 in Uppsala County, Sweden. Ten child health nurses participated in two focus group interviews, which were analysed using systematic text condensation. RESULTS The analysis yielded three themes: (1) increased knowledge and professional pride - nurses described their desire to provide high-quality care for which SOMP-I was a useful tool; (2) improved parent-provider relationship - nurses felt that using SOMP-I involved both the parents and their infant to a greater extent than routine care; and (3) conditions for further implementation - nurses described that the time and effort needed to master new skills must be considered and practical barriers, such as lack of examination space, resource constraints and difficulties in documenting the assessment must be addressed before implementing the SOMP-I method in routine care. CONCLUSION Child health nurses felt that the SOMP-I method fitted well with their professional role and increased the quality of care provided. However, significant barriers to implementing SOMP-I into routine child health care were described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kine Johansen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Steven Lucas
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pär Bokström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristina Persson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Margaretha Magnusson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Sarkadi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Reine I, Palmer E, Sonnander K. Economic wellbeing among people with severe impairments, receiving personal assistance to work. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv170.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Johansen K, Persson K, Sarkadi A, Sonnander K, Magnusson M, Lucas S. Can nurses be key players in assessing early motor development using a structured method in the child health setting? J Eval Clin Pract 2015; 21:681-7. [PMID: 25958886 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONAL, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Increasing evidence highlights the importance of early interventions for motor disorders in children. Given the key medical role of the nurse within the Swedish Child Health Service (CHS), we aimed to examine if nurses could apply a structured assessment of early motor development at the child health centre to enable early identification of children at risk. METHODS Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants (SOMP-I) assesses infant's level of motor development and quality of motor performance using subscales converted to total scores. The total score for both level and quality can then be plotted within the SOMP-I percentile distribution at the child's age for comparison with a reference population. Fifty-five infants (girls: 30) were assessed according to SOMP-I at three child health centres. Assessments were performed by nurses (n = 10) in a clinical setting; one nurse performed the assessment while another nurse and a physiotherapist observed. RESULTS Agreement for the assessment of level as a continuous variable was excellent [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.97-0.98], but was lower for quality (ICC 0.02-0.46). When the children were categorized according to the percentile range categories, the assessors were in agreement for the majority of the children, with respect to both level (78-82%) and quality (78-87%). CONCLUSION Despite brief experience with SOMP-I, the agreement was excellent when assessing the level of motor development, but was less satisfactory for the assessment of quality of motor performance. More extensive education and training may be necessary to improve the nurses' ability to assess quality, as this domain was an entirely new concept to the nurses. Further research is warranted to determine the applicability of SOMP-I as a standardized method for nurses to assess motor development within the CHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kine Johansen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Kristina Persson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Anna Sarkadi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Karin Sonnander
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Steven Lucas
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
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Wandin H, Lindberg P, Sonnander K. Communication intervention in Rett syndrome: a survey of speech language pathologists in Swedish health services. Disabil Rehabil 2014; 37:1324-33. [PMID: 25250808 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2014.962109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate communication intervention that speech language pathologists (SLPs) provide to people with Rett syndrome. METHODS A web-based survey targeting all Swedish SLPs working with people currently receiving support from habilitation services. RESULTS The SLPs reportedly followed recommended practice in the following aspects: (1) Information on communicative function was collected from several sources, including observation in well-known settings and reports from the client s social network, (2) Multimodal communication was promoted and, (3) Responsive partner strategies were largely targeted in the intervention. However, few instruments or standard procedures were used and partner instruction was given informally. Most SLPs used communication aids in the intervention and their general impression of using communication aids was positive. Further, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) was estimated to increase and clarify communicative contributions from the person. CONCLUSIONS Communication aids were reported to have a positive influence on communicative functions. Swedish SLP services followed best practice in several aspects, but there are areas with potential for development. Tools and best practice guidelines are needed to support SLPs in the AAC process for clients with Rett syndrome. [Box: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Wandin
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Research in Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
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17
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Applying multiprofessional electronic health records (EHRs) is expected to improve the quality of patient care and patient safety. Both EHR systems and system users depend on semantic interoperability to function efficiently. A shared clinical terminology comprising unambiguous terms is required for semantic interoperability. Empirical studies of clinical terminology, such as predefined headings, in EHR systems are scarce and limited to one profession or one clinical specialty. OBJECTIVE To study predefined headings applied by users in a Swedish multiprofessional EHR system. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a descriptive study of predefined headings (n=3596) applied by 5509 users in a Swedish multiprofessional EHR system. The predefined headings were classified into four term and word categories. RESULTS Less than half of the predefined headings were shared by two or more professional groups. All eight professionals groups shared 1.7% of the predefined headings. The distribution of predefined headings across categories yielded two-thirds "terms for special purposes" and "specialist terms" and one-third "common words" and "unclassified headings". DISCUSSION The indicated presence of profession-specific predefined headings and the conflict between ambiguity and comprehension of terms and words used as headings are discussed. CONCLUSIONS The predefined headings in the multiprofessional EHR system studied did not constitute a joint language for specific purposes. The improvement of the quality and usability of multiprofessional EHR systems requires attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Terner
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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18
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Johansson MB, Carlsson M, Sonnander K. Communication difficulties and the use of communication strategies: from the perspective of individuals with aphasia. Int J Lang Commun Disord 2012; 47:144-155. [PMID: 22369055 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-6984.2011.00089.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To enhance communicative ability and thereby the possibility of increased participation of persons with aphasia, the use of communication strategies has been proposed. However, little is known about how persons with aphasia experience having conversations and how they perceive their own and their conversation partner's use of communication strategies. AIMS To explore how people with aphasia experience having conversations, how they handle communication difficulties, and how they perceive their own and their communication partners' use of communication strategies. METHODS & PROCEDURES Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four women and seven men with chronic aphasia (n = 11). Interviews were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative content analysis. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Informants appreciated having conversations despite the fact that they perceived their aphasia as a serious hindrance. Different factors related to the informants, the conversation partners, the conversation itself and the physical environment were perceived to impact on conversations. The importance of the communication partners' knowledge and understanding of aphasia and their use of supporting conversation strategies were acknowledged by the informants. The informants' views on using communication aid devices or strategies varied considerably. Four themes that characterized the informants' narratives were: loss and frustration, fear and uncertainty, shared responsibility based on knowledge, and longing for the past or moving forward. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The informants longed to regain their former language ability and role as an active participant in society. To enhance participation of persons with aphasia, it is suggested that communication partner training should be an important and integral part of aphasia rehabilitation. Important elements of such training are reflecting on communication behaviours, training in real-life situations, and acknowledging each individual's special needs and preferences. To deal with the consequences of aphasia, counselling and psychological support may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Blom Johansson
- Public Health and Caring Sciences, Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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19
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Granat T, Nordgren I, Rein G, Sonnander K. Group intervention for siblings of children with disabilities: a pilot study in a clinical setting. Disabil Rehabil 2011; 34:69-75. [PMID: 21877903 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2011.587087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the effectiveness of a group intervention in a clinical setting designed to increase knowledge of disability and improve sibling relationship among siblings of children with disabilities. METHOD A self-selected sample of 54 younger and older siblings with typical development (ages 8-12 years) of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (9), Asperger syndrome (7), autistic disorder (13), physical disability (8) and intellectual disability (17) participated in collateral sibling groups. The Sibling Knowledge Interview (SKI) and Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ) were administered pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS SKI scores increased (p < 0.001) from pre- to post-intervention when merged diagnostic groups were compared. Comparisons of SRQ pre- and post-intervention scores across diagnostic sibling groups showed significantly different (p < 0.05) score patterns. CONCLUSIONS The results were encouraging and contribute to further development of interventions meeting the needs of siblings of children with disabilities. In view of the limited empirical research on group interventions for siblings of children with disabilities future work is needed to investigate the effectiveness of such interventions. Particular attention should be given to siblings of children with autism and siblings of children with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Granat
- Habilitation and Assistive Technology Services, Uppsala County Council, Sweden
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20
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Johansson MB, Carlsson M, Sonnander K. Working with families of persons with aphasia: a survey of Swedish speech and language pathologists. Disabil Rehabil 2010; 33:51-62. [DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.486465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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21
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Ericsson K, Gebre-Medhin M, Sonnander K. China-Sweden Partnership: Areas of Ongoing Development in Intellectual Disabilities. J Policy Practice in Intell Disabilities 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-1130.2008.00156.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Akrami N, Ekehammar B, Claesson M, Sonnander K. Classical and modern prejudice: attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities. Res Dev Disabil 2006; 27:605-17. [PMID: 16309887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2005.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2004] [Revised: 06/02/2005] [Accepted: 07/21/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In two studies, Study 1 and Study 2, we examine whether attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities, like sexism and racism, consist of two forms-a classical and a modern, where the classical is overt and blatant and the modern is more subtle and covert. Self-report scales tapping these two forms were developed in Study 1. Based on confirmatory factor analyses, the results in Study 1 supported our hypothesis and revealed that the modern and classical forms are correlated but distinguishable. This outcome was replicated in Study 2. Construct and discriminatory validations of the scales provided further support for the distinction. The theoretical and practical importance of the results is discussed in relation to previous research on attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities and other social outgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazar Akrami
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Box 1225, SE-751 42 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of gender has been a neglected issue in research on intellectual disability (ID). People with ID are generally treated as a homogenous group that are largely categorized by their level of ID. This study compared living conditions of women and men with ID and related the results to similarities and differences among the general population in corresponding age groups. METHODS Persons with ID born in Uppsala County between 1959 and 1974 constituted the study sample. Information on the living conditions of 110 persons with ID was collected using questionnaires completed by relatives and staff. Information on living conditions of the general population was obtained through national welfare statistics conducted by Statistics Sweden (SCB). RESULTS In both samples corresponding diversities were revealed for type of employment/daily activities, where women worked in traditional female job sectors and men were occupied with traditional male jobs. Women and men with ID participated to about the same extent in recreational and cultural activities and on only four of the 19 activities listed in the questionnaire (visits to the cinema and library, reading books and practising hobbies alone) significant differences were observed. Among women and men in the general population, we found gender-related differences in 13 of the activities listed. However, with the exception of women more frequently visiting the library and reading books, the two samples demonstrated no corresponding gender-related differences. For the remaining six domains (finances, family and social relations, housing, transport, community participation and personal safety), no differences were noted between women and men with ID. This finding contrasted sharply with the differences found between women and men in the general population. CONCLUSIONS Surprisingly, the comparison yielded few differences in living conditions between women and men with ID compared with those found in women and men of the general population. This finding suggests that people with ID were treated as gender-neutral persons rather than as women and men with individual preferences and needs. Thus, it appears that having ID is a more important determinant than gender regarding living conditions for women and men with ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Umb-Carlsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abstract
Proxies typically serve as information providers in studies of persons with intellectual disabilities. However, little is known about the concordance between different proxy categories and how proxy characteristics influence the information provided. We compared 89 pairs of relative and staff reports on the living conditions of persons with intellectual disabilities, using percentage agreement and Cohen's kappa statistics. Results demonstrate differences between relative and staff reports for most of the domains investigated, with moderate agreement for objective items and fair agreement for subjective items. Relative and staff proxies contributed different information related to diverse viewpoints and varying types of information. Thus, we suggest that information provided by proxies should not be treated as being interchangeable but, rather, as complementary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oie Umb-Carlsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Ulleråker, SE-750 17 Uppsala, Sweden.
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25
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Gustavson KH, Umb-Carlsson O, Sonnander K. A follow-up study of mortality, health conditions and associated disabilities of people with intellectual disabilities in a Swedish county. J Intellect Disabil Res 2005; 49:905-14. [PMID: 16287479 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2005.00728.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the planning of services and health care for individuals with intellectual disability (ID), information is needed on the special requirements for habilitation and medical service and associated disabilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS An unselected consecutive series of 82 adult persons with ID was studied. The medical examination consisted of the individual's health condition, associated impairments and disabilities. Medical and habilitation services and support were studied. RESULTS The results indicated that 71% of the persons in the series had severe and 29% mild ID. Forty-seven per cent of the persons with severe ID and 35% of those with mild ID had one or more additional central nervous system (CNS) disabilities. Of the persons with ID, 99% had access to a family doctor and 84% attended regular health visits. Notably, half of persons were referred to a specialist examination as a consequence of their present medical examination. Half of the persons with mental health problems were previously undiagnosed and only a few of these had access to a psychiatrist. CONCLUSION Our study clearly demonstrates the magnitude and importance of neurological and psychiatric impairments in ID. The findings suggest a strong need for multidisciplinary health service.
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Affiliation(s)
- K-H Gustavson
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rudbeck Laboratory University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
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26
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Umb-Carlsson O, Sonnander K. Comparison of the Living Conditions of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in a Swedish County and in the General Population. J Policy Practice in Intell Disabilities 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-1130.2005.00036.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Gustafsson C, Sonnander K. A psychometric evaluation of a Swedish version of the psychopathology inventory for mentally retarded adults (PIMRA). Res Dev Disabil 2005; 26:183-201. [PMID: 15590248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2004.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2002] [Revised: 03/24/2003] [Accepted: 04/21/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Given the difficulties with symptom identification and the assessment of mental health problems in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) there has been a focus on the development of relevant assessment schedules for persons with ID. A Swedish version of the psychopathology inventory for mentally retarded adults (PIMRA, informant version), an instrument designed for identification of specific mental health problems in persons with ID, was evaluated in terms of inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, item grouping, criterion and concurrent validity based on a sample of 101 adults with different levels of ID. The Swedish version of the PIMRA had low inter-rater agreement on specific items but good agreement on low or high total score. In order to investigate internal validity, principal component analyses (PCA) were conducted in steps. Consequently, the majority of the 26 items, which remained after three PCA analyses, were grouped in a pattern approximating five of the original PIMRA subscales. The present analysis identified no item grouping matching the original Affective disorder subscale. Based on these results a revised Swedish version was developed. The concurrent validity analysis yielded a strong association between the total scores of the PIMRA and Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behaviour (RSMB), between subscales on both instruments describing psychotic symptoms and between the RSMB subscale Aggressive behaviour and the PIMRA subscale Adjustment problems. The outcome of the criterion validity analysis indicated that individuals with a clinical diagnosis obtained higher total PIMRA scores than individuals without a clinical diagnosis and a comparison between the PIMRA subscale Psychosis and the clinical diagnosis indicating psychoses according to DSM-III-R or DSM-IV yielded a higher specificity than sensitivity measure. The results indicate that the PIMRA had a potential to identify individuals with mental health problems in persons with different levels (mild, moderate and severe) of ID and identify individuals with a specific mental disorder. Thus, professionals might use the PIMRA as a complement in the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Gustafsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Psychiatry Ulleråker, SE-750 17 Uppsala, Sweden.
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28
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Gustavson KH, Umb-Carlsson O, Sonnander K. [Adults with severe mental retardation--a 30-year follow-up. Physically integrated in the society, but mental problems are often neglected]. Lakartidningen 2005; 102:388-91. [PMID: 15754681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
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Jansson L, Sonnander K, Wiesel FA. Needs assessed by psychiatric health care and social services in a defined cohort of clients with mental disabilities. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2005; 255:57-64. [PMID: 15711894 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-004-0537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2003] [Accepted: 06/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of needs for support and service in clients with long-term mental disabilities is usually not done by staff personnel from both psychiatric care and social services. However, such a process is probably necessary in order to provide adequate psychiatric care and social services. AIMS To estimate the prevalence of mentally disabled clients and investigate whether staff from psychiatric care and social services identified the same individuals and the same number of needs in the same areas. METHODS Clients from a defined catchment area were identified during a three-month period. A questionnaire was developed to collect socio-demographic information and to assess needs for support and service. RESULTS The study identified 1,290 clients with needs with a prevalence of 5.72/1000 inhabitants. More than half of the clients needed support in activities of daily living. Only 18.1% of the clients were identified by both organizations. In general, the staff from psychiatric care and social services identified the same needs at a group level. However, at the individual level, agreement was quite low. CONCLUSIONS The staffs from both psychiatric care and social services are necessary to evaluate the needs of support and services in clients with mental disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Jansson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Ulleråker, Uppsala University Hospital, 75017 Uppsala, Sweden.
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30
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Gustafsson C, Sonnander K. Occurrence of mental health problems in Swedish samples of adults with intellectual disabilities. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2004; 39:448-56. [PMID: 15205729 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-004-0774-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of mental health problems in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and the number of adults with ID receiving care at general mental health clinics. METHOD The Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behaviour and the Psychopathology Inventory for Mentally Retarded Adults were used to investigate mental health problems in samples from two Swedish counties. Adults with ID receiving psychiatric care at general mental health clinics were investigated via the mental health services register in one county. RESULTS The overall occurrence of mental health problems in adults with ID ranged from 34% to 64%. The most common mental health problems were aggressive, self-injurious behaviours, signs of depression, anxiety or adjustment problems. The occurrence of adults with ID among patients receiving out- or in-patient psychiatric care was approximately 1%. Between 70% and 90% of these persons had a mild level of ID. CONCLUSION The overall occurrence of mental health problems was similar to reported overall figures in comparable studies conducted in the US, UK and Denmark. The number of adults with ID registered for out- or in-patient psychiatric care was low compared with the occurrence of mental health problems based on the screening results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Gustafsson
- Uppsala University, Dept. of Neuroscience, psychiatry, Ulleråker, 75017 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual disability (ID) are afflicted by mental health problems to a greater extent than other individuals, and the coexistence of ID and mental health problems involves diagnostic as well as treatment difficulties. METHODS A Swedish version of the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior (RSMB), an instrument used for identification of mental health problems in people with intellectual disability (ID) was evaluated in terms of inter-rater agreement, internal consistency, item grouping and criterion validity based on a random sample and a clinical group of adults with ID. RESULTS The Swedish version of the RSMB had moderate-to-low inter-rater agreement on specific items and good internal consistency. The total score was considered to be a fairly reliable measure of a positive or negative result on the RSMB. A principal component analysis yielded seven interpretable components. A close resemblance in sets of items between the Swedish version and the original version of RSMB was found for three subscales: Aggressive Behaviour, Avoidance Disorder and Depression (Behavioural Signs). The outcome of the criterion validity analysis indicated a higher rate of false negatives than false positives. CONCLUSIONS The potential influence of concurrent psychopharmacological treatment is discussed. It is concluded that the Swedish version of the RSMB can be used as intended by staff as a primary screening device for the identification of mental health problems among people with ID in a Swedish setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gustafsson
- Uppsala University, Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Ulleråker, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Sommerfelt K, Sonnander K, Skranes J, Andersson HW, Ahlsten G, Ellertsen B, Markestad T, Jacobsen G, Hoffman HJ, Bakketeig LS. Neuropsychologic and motor function in small-for-gestation preschoolers. Pediatr Neurol 2002; 26:186-91. [PMID: 11955924 DOI: 10.1016/s0887-8994(01)00381-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate neuropsychologic and motor performance in term small-for-gestation preschool children. A patient-based sample of 311 5-year-old children with birth weights less than the fifteenth percentile for gestation was compared with a random sample of 321 appropriate-for-gestation control subjects. The main assessment tools were subscales from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Revised, subscales from the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities, tests of manual dexterity and figure copying, and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. The small-for-gestation children had mean scores on tests of visuospatial and visuomotor abilities that were one fourth standard deviation lower than appropriate-for-gestation control subjects and slightly lower scores on manual dexterity. The small-for-gestation children were comparable to appropriate-for-gestation children regarding motor performance. We therefore conclude that the neuropsychologic and neuromotor performance in preschool years of term small-for-gestation children is reassuring.
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Abstract
AIMS To evaluate whether being born small for gestational age (SGA) was associated with an increased frequency of preschool behavioral problems. STUDY DESIGN Follow-up study at 5 years of age. SUBJECTS A population based cohort of 318 term infants who were SGA, defined as having a birthweight less than the 15th percentile for gestational age, and without major handicap such as cerebral palsy or mental retardation, and a random control sample of 307 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. OUTCOME MEASURES The Personality Inventory for Children and the Yale Children's Inventory (completed by the mothers), and child behavior during psychometric testing. RESULTS Behavior problems was not more common among the SGA children. The results were not confounded by a wide range of parental demographic and child rearing factors, including maternal non-verbal problem solving abilities, child rearing style, and maternal psychological distress. However, the parental factors explained 13% of the variance in a summary score of child behavior compared to 1% explained by SGA vs. AGA status. The SGA children were not more sensitive to the negative impacts of parental risk factors than AGA controls. The study does not address the outcome of severely growth-retarded SGA infants. CONCLUSION Being born moderately SGA is not a significant risk factor for preschool behavior problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sommerfelt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bergen, Barneklinikken, 5021 Haukeland Sykehus, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of research into early identification of children with developmental disabilities in child healthcare, especially those disabilities related to cognitive impairment. The review covers the following related topics: definition of the target group, the predictive value of developmental screening instruments and psychomotor tests, risk indexes, early intervention and evaluation of developmental screening programmes. Empirical research into child development and the predictive value of developmental tests is extensive. However, proportionally few, mostly cohort or case-control, studies focusing on evaluation of developmental screening programmes conducted within a clinical setting were found. Some sensitivity and most specificity rates reported fell within what is considered acceptable for developmental screening performed in the pre-school years, i.e. a sensitivity of more than 70% and a specificity between 70% and 80%. Overall, between 1-6% of the children screened were identified. Typically, most children with severe disabilities were identified prior to the screening or excluded from the studies reviewed. The shortcomings of developmental screening (instruments) and difficulties in early identification are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sonnander
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Ulleråker, Uppsala University, Sweden
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Sommerfelt K, Andersson HW, Sonnander K, Ahlsten G, Ellertsen B, Markestad T, Jacobsen G, Hoffman HJ, Bakketeig L. Cognitive development of term small for gestational age children at five years of age. Arch Dis Child 2000; 83:25-30. [PMID: 10868995 PMCID: PMC1718382 DOI: 10.1136/adc.83.1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the relative significance for cognitive development of small for gestational age, parental demographic factors, and factors related to the child rearing environment. METHODS IQ of a population based cohort of 338 term infants who were small for gestational age (SGA) and without major handicap, and a random control sample of 335 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants were compared at 5 years of age. RESULTS The mean non-verbal IQ was four points lower, while the mean verbal IQ was three points lower for the children in the SGA group. The results were not confounded by parental demographic or child rearing factors. However, parental factors, including maternal non-verbal problem solving abilities, and child rearing style, accounted for 20% of the variance in non-verbal IQ, while SGA versus AGA status accounted for only 2%. The comparable numbers for verbal IQ were 30 and 1%. Furthermore, we found no evidence that the cognitive development of SGA children was more sensitive to a non-optimal child rearing environment than that of AGA children. Maternal smoking at conception was associated with a reduction in mean IQ comparable to that found for SGA status, and this effect was the same for SGA and AGA children. The cognitive function of asymmetric SGA was comparable to that of symmetric SGA children. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that child cognitive development is strongly associated with parental factors, but only marginally associated with intrauterine growth retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sommerfelt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bergen, Barneklinikken, 5021 Haukeland Sykehus, Norway.
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the predictive value of the variables of parental assessment score, pre-, peri-, and postpartum optimality, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and maternal education with respect to developmental delay at 18 months, and intellectual disability and school achievement problems at 8 and 14 years. The sample studied comprised 101 children (53 low scorers and 48 controls) originally from a total population of 2783 children assessed by their parents at 18 months using a screening instrument. Data were analysed by logistic regression. The results yielded moderate but statistically significant correlations between predictor and outcome variables. Optimality score and maternal education were the best predictors of developmental delay at 18 months. At 8 years, parental assessment score and maternal education constituted the best predictors of school achievement problems. At 14 years, SES together with parental assessment score were included in the model, when school achievement problems were predicted. Parental assessment score showed the strongest association with school achievement problems at both 8 and 14 years, when children with intellectual disability were included in the analysis. The exclusion of children with intellectual disability from the analyses yielded a stronger association between maternal education (at 8 years) and SES (at 14 years) and school achievement problems. The overall classification accuracy of the models varied between 67% and 88%. Specificity varied from 65% at 18 months to 95% at 14 years. Sensitivity varied from 70% at 18 months and 55% (all cases) and 42% (children with intellectual disability excluded) at 14 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sonnander
- University of Uppsala, Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Sweden.
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Abstract
Gender-related differences in the prediction of five year-olds' cognitive abilities from measures of distal environment, proximal environment and infant test scores were examined in a random sample of 93 boys and 90 girls. Distal environmental data included maternal IQ, maternal and paternal education. Proximal environmental data included two variables derived from the Home Screening Questionnaire: the Home Questions and the Toy Checklist. The Bayley MDI was administered at age 13 months, whereas WPPSI-R was used as cognitive outcome measure at age 5 years. The relationship between paternal education and child IQ, and between proximal environmental variables and child IQ was significantly stronger for boys than for girls. The associations between proximal environment and IQ in boys, were accounted for by the distal environmental variables. Bayley MDI correlated significantly higher with girls' IQ compared to boys' IQ. Findings are discussed in terms of parental gender-differentiated socialization processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Andersson
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Sonnander K, Claesson M. Classification, prevalence, prevention and rehabilitation of intellectual disability: an overview of research in the People's Republic of China. J Intellect Disabil Res 1997; 41 ( Pt 2):180-192. [PMID: 9161929 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.1997.tb00694.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The People's Republic of China is a developing country with all the problems and challenges that face such countries all over the world. Progress has been hampered by scarcity of resources, and a lack of relevant information and appropriate skills, as well as by the stigma traditionally attached to people with intellectual disability. The present rapid economic development has made possible further improvement and expansion of educational opportunities, and health and rehabilitation services. According to a recent census and sample surveys conducted in the People's Republic of China, the overall prevalence rate of people with disabilities was estimated to 4.9%. Thus, China has more individuals with disabilities than any other country in the world. According to these figures, the prevalence of intellectual disability in the population is approximately 1%. For children younger than 14 years of age, the prevalence is around 2%, which accounts for 66% of all handicapped children, making it the most frequent childhood disability. Today, the existing medical facilities, and educational and social welfare organizations cannot meet the tremendous need of care and services. The problems of the large number of disabled children and adults are a major challenge for contemporary Chinese society. This paper is devoted to research pertinent to intellectual disability in China. With a few exceptions, only publications in the English language were included in this review, which makes the overview selective rather than comprehensive. Publications on classification systems and diagnostic criteria, screening methods and assessment instruments, prevalence rates, aetiology and risk factors, prevention and intervention efforts, special education, and families with children with intellectual disability are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sonnander
- Centre for Disability Research, Uppsala University, Sweden
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Andersson HW, Sommerfelt K, Sonnander K, Ahlsten G. Maternal child-rearing attitudes, IQ, and socioeconomic status as related to cognitive abilities of five-year-old children. Psychol Rep 1996; 79:3-14. [PMID: 8873781 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.1996.79.1.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The effects of maternal child-rearing attitudes, as measured by the Child Rearing Practices Report, on 5-yr.-old children's Verbal IQ and Performance IQ were investigated in a Scandinavian sample of 108 boys and 126 girls. The maternal child-rearing attitude of Restrictiveness, as defined by scores on the Report, showed negative relations to the cognitive measures. However, the significant negative relation between Restrictiveness and Verbal IQ, obtained for both sexes, disappeared when the effects of maternal IQ and socioeconomic status were controlled. The maternal child-rearing attitude of Nurturance, as defined by scores on the Report, was significantly related to Verbal IQ and Performance IQ for boys only. Significant relationships between scores on Nurturance and cognitive abilities of boys remained when the effects of maternal IQ and socioeconomic status were controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Andersson
- Department of Psychology, University of Trondheim, Norway.
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Sonnander K, Emanuelsson I, Kebbon L. Pupils with mild mental retardation in regular Swedish schools: prevalence, objective characteristics, and subjective evaluations. Am J Ment Retard 1993; 97:692-701. [PMID: 8517948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Pupils in regular Swedish schools who met the psychometric criterion of mental retardation were identified and described. Using a national longitudinal data set, we compared a group of 13-year-old pupils (N = 116) not officially classified as having mental retardation to their peers without mental retardation across measures of school achievement, social background, self-evaluations of school experiences, and upper secondary school education. The results showed that the former group was low-achieving and had poor self-evaluations; however, some pupils in the general population shared these characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sonnander
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
Birth records of 97 children assessed at 18 months and found to be developmentally delayed were scored according to the optimality concept developed by Prechtl. These children were compared to a control series of 81 children. In order to evaluate the predictive validity of the parental developmental assessments performed at 18 months the children had been screened for school achievement problems at the age of eight years, yielding a distribution of true and false positives and true and false negatives. Rates of reduced optimality were compared to investigate firstly, the relationship between reduced optimality and developmental delay at 18 months and secondly, whether the follow-up distribution of true and false positives at eight years could be related to reduced optimality. The overall relationship between reduced optimality and developmental delay at 18 months and reduced optimality and school achievement problems at eight years was also investigated. The 15 low scoring cases registered as mentally retarded differed significantly from controls on total mean reduced optimality. Retarded and non-retarded low-scorers differed significantly on post partum sub-scores only. When the eight-year follow-up groups were compared both retarded and non-retarded true positives differed significantly from true negatives on total mean reduced optimality. The difference in post-partum reduced optimality between retarded and all other follow-up groups but non-retarded true positives reached statistical significance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sonnander
- Department of Psychiatry, Ulleråker Hospital, University of Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
The reliability and predictive validity of a parental screening instrument based on the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale was investigated in a Swedish population of 3245 18-month-old children. Parental and professional assessments were compared. 2 per cent of low-scoring children were tested with the Griffiths Scale, and correlation with parental assessment was 0.87. The prevalence of mental retardation and of learning disabilities were investigated in follow-up studies at eight and 14 years, and these studies identified all mentally retarded children at those ages among the low-scoring or attrition cases at 18 months. Other learning disabilities were reported for 51.2 per cent of low-scoring children, compared with 18.5 per cent of controls. A comparison between parental assessment scores and test scores at 18 months with follow-up results showed that the two assessment methods yielded similar predictions.
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Frykholm B, Gunne LM, Huitfeldt B, Sonnander K. [Prognosis studies in the treatment of drug addicts]. Lakartidningen 1973; 70:2579-81. [PMID: 4787330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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