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Editor’s Choice : Intellectual Disability and Psychiatric Diagnoses of Children and Adolescents with a History of Stressful Events and Social Deprivation in Brazil: Preliminary Results. IQ, Depression and Stress
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Abstract: Background: Studies have shown that stressful events in childhood are associated with impairments in cognitive functions and intellectual disability. Objective:Compare the intellectual functioning in groups of Brazilian children and adolescents with a history of stressful events with lifetime history of depression and without lifetime history of depression. Method: 30 children and adolescents underwent psychiatric evaluation and neuropsychological assessment of estimated intellectual quotient (EIQ), verbal knowledge, and visuospatial skills. Results: 15 patients (50%) had EIQ within the average and 6 had EIQ in the lower average (20%) for Brazilian standardized norms. The other part had at least some degree of intellectual disability and they were classified as: 2 mild mental retardation (6.7%) and 7 borderline (23.3%). Also, half of the sample had at least one lifetime depressive episode, and the performance in EIQ and visuospatial skills was worse in this group. Conclusion: 50% of the children and adolescents with a history of early stressful events and social deprivation had at least some degree of intellectual disability. In addition, a subgroup with history of depressive episodes had worse EIQ performance when compared to those without depression, possibly due to a greater impairment in visuospatial skills. The specific role of impaired right cerebral hemisphere, corpus callosum, and prefrontal cortex associated with depressive disorders and maltreatment should be investigated in further studies. Keywords: Stress, children, adolescent, IQ, depression, intellectual disability.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Neuropsychological Phenotype in Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome
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Abstract: The Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a rare genetic disorder that causes a range of intellectual disability from mild to severe. In this study, we used standard tools to psychometrically characterize the specific neuropsychological phenotype of WHS. We studied 57 individuals with WHS, ranging in age from 2.6 to 28.6 years representing 70% of the certified Italian WHS population. Results obtained by administering Griffiths’ Mental Developmental Scales and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale revealed a typical WHS neuropsychological phenotype characterized by specific strengths and weaknesses. Despite their severe cognitive impairment, in both scales, patients showed better communication and social interaction skills compared to visuo-motor abilities. Results of our study could bring to the development of new and more effective treatments for individuals affected by WHS: based on neuropsychological phenotype description, it should be possible to design specific rehabilitation programs. These programs would then be aimed at improving rehabilitation protocols to optimize the developmental potential and personal independence of individuals with WHS and thus to improve their quality of life. Keywords: Neuropsychological phenotype, intellectual disability, Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, WHS, 4p deletion.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Children of teenage mothers are at high risk for developmental delays, intellectual and learning disabilities, behavior disorders and school related problems [1]. Early identification and referral into prevention or early intervention programs may ameliorate that risk. Children of teen mothers who are in family childcare may not have access to routine developmental and behavioral screenings that would lead to early identification and referral. Members of an early childhood advisory board collaborated to conduct a screening event using the ASQ-3® and the ASQ:SE® at a local children’s museum for 26 children of teen mothers who had no previous access to developmental screenings. Parents completed the questionnaires while playing with their children at the museum. Nine of the children scored well within the range of typical development and 17 scored at or beyond the cut-off scores on the ASQ-3 and/or the ASQ:SE. Each child who scored at or beyond the cut-off received referrals for evaluation, parent and child programming and/or family support services. When there were concerns, families also received care coordination while all families received activities and a child’s book. The implications for this study suggest that collaborative efforts are effective in providing access to developmental screenings and referral into subsequent services for at-risk young children who are in family childcare settings. Keywords: Screening, development, young children, infants, toddlers, preschool-age, collaboration, teenage parents, at-risk, family childcare.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Quality of Life and its Determinants in Preschool Children with Down Syndrome
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Abstract: Objective: Children with Down syndrome (DS) show a delay in cognitive and motor development and have various concomitant health problems. We compared Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in preschool children with DS with a reference group, and investigated child-related factors (i.e., developmental quotient, adaptive function, health problems, problem behaviour), and maternal level of education on HRQoL. Method: In a cohort of 55 children with DS, HRQoL was measured with the TNO-AZL preschool children Quality of Life Questionnaire (TAPQoL). Data from a reference group were used for comparison. Developmental Quotient (DQ) was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, adaptive function with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, health problems were derived from the medical file, and behavioural problems were measured with the Child Behaviour Checklist. Results: Children with DS (N=55; mean age 41.7 months) scored significantly lower on the TAPQoL domains lung and stomach problems, motor function and communication compared to the reference group. DQ had a significant negative correlation with the domains lung problems and liveliness. Children with DS with respiratory or gastro-intestinal problems showed significant lower scores on lung problems and communication. Problem behavior had a significant negative correlation with the domains sleeping, appetite and social function. A low level of maternal education correlated negatively with positive mood. Adaptive function and congenital heart defect (CHD) did not significantly correlate with HRQoL. Conclusion: Preschool children with DS show a lower HRQoL on particular domains of functioning compared to a normative sample. HRQoL of children with DS is correlated to DQ, respiratory and gastro-intestinal health problems, problem behaviour and maternal education, but not to CHD and adaptive function. Keywords: Down syndrome, Quality of life, Developmental Preschool children, Children.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: One of the more serious problems facing the field of early intervention/early childhood special education is the disconnect between the community programs that offer screening, eligibility determination, curricular assessment (i.e., programmatic assessment), and progress monitoring services. First, we provide definitions of these service components to ensure clarity. Second, the substantial disconnect found between the screening, eligibility determination, curricular assessment, and progress monitoring components in most communities is discussed. Third, an alternative conceptual framework and its rationale are offered. This framework is designed to ensure that information collected is comprehensive, and that information/data gathered during each component serves as the platform for the next component. An example clarifies the application of the framework. Keywords: Early intervention/early childhood special education, disconnect, assessment, screening, eligibility determination, programming, progress monitoring, systems framework.ildhood special education, disconnect, assessment, screening, eligibility determination, programming, progress monitoring, systems framework.Download Full Article |