Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment

Cognitive Abilities in Schizoid Personality Disorder with and without Borderline Intellectual Functioning: The Burden in Psychopathology

D. Galletta, C. Santoriello, A.I. Califano, I. Lauria, G. Santangelo — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) and schizoid personality disorder (Schizoid PD) are clinical conditions under-researched and poorly understood. The principal aim of this retrospective study was to investigate cognitive abilities in people with BIF and Schizoid PD. Clinical, demographic, and neuropsychological data of forty-seven Schizoid PD participants, with an average age of 35, were analyzed. The sample split into two groups: Schizoid PD with BIF (BIF+: n = 24; intelligence quotient – IQ range: 71-84) and Schizoid PD without BIF (BIF-: n = 23; IQ range: 89-121). A descriptive analysis of the clinical and demographic characteristics of the two groups was performed.

Methods: Neuropsychological measures (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised – WAIS-R IQ, factor index, subtest scores) and cognitive performance deficits in the two groups were compared using parametric and non-parametric tests, as necessary. Correlation coefficients were calculated for relationships between variables. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors associated with negative outcomes, such as substance use behavior.

Results: The results revealed that the cognitive profile of BIF+ deviated significantly from that observed in BIF-. Peculiar BIF+ dysfunctions were found in the domains of verbal and perceptual reasoning, attention, memory, processing speed, planning, and problem-solving. The verbal IQ had the highest discriminative value for the presence of BIF in patients with Schizoid PD.

Conclusions: The BIF condition and the verbal comprehension index were the predictors most associated with substance use behavior. Early identification of BIF should be relevant to planning targeted intervention strategies to improve daily life skills and outcomes.

Improving Motor Proficiency in Children with Developmental Delays: A Meta-Analysis Evaluating the Impact of Motor Skills Interventions

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the impact of motor skill interventions in improving motor proficiency among children with developmental delays following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis “PRISMA” recommendations. The included studies were searched on four databases: Google Scholar, PEDro, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. Studies published during the year 2012 to 2022 were selected. The data was extracted by defining the publication year, type of study design, targeted population, and type of physical therapy intervention. The outcome measures included four components of motor proficiency: bilateral coordination, balance, speed and agility, and strength. The results revealed statistically significant findings and a large effect size for bilateral coordination (SMD=1.003, CI=95%) and speed and agility (SMD=0.854, CI=95%). However, a smaller effect size with significant findings was observed in the balance domains (SMD=0.333, CI=95%) and strength (SMD=0.337, CI=95%). Despite the promising results of the analyzed interventions, some of the included studies observed a high risk of bias. However, it is evident from the analysis that protocols directed toward advanced approaches have shown more promising results than traditional physical exercise regimens.

Factor Structure of the Bulgarian Version of FOCUS on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six

Margarita Stankova, Lubomir Djalev, Tsveta Kamenski, Polina Mihova — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this paper is to present the Factor structure of the Bulgarian version of FOCUS on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six. The instrument is based on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth (ICF-CY), and it aims at tracing the effect of therapy on the child’s communication and participation in the real world. Our research is focused on the factor structure and reliability of the Parent’s form. The participants formed two samples, the main one consisting of 272 (mostly preschool children), males and females. The age of the subjects varied between 2.17 and 7.25 years, with a mean age of M = 4.91 years and SD = 1.10.

The latent structure of the questionnaire was examined in five phases – 1-test of the assumption of one-dimensionality; 2-exploratory factor analysis was applied to establish the factor model, based on data from an empirical study; 3-three possible factor models with a fixed number of factors were analyzed; 4-the factor models were compared through confirmatory factor analysis. The aim of the analyses was to select the most appropriate final model for the Bulgarian version of the questionnaire. The reliability analysis of the scales in the two-factor model was conducted through testing their internal consistency.

The two-factor model of the FOCUS questionnaire in Bulgarian shows a good orientation towards two specific functions – ‘capacity for communication’, and ‘performance’ or ‘communicative performance’. Due to its stable measurements related to functioning, this tool could be effectively used to practically assess the effect of therapy on children with development disorders.

Parents’ Knowledge, Perception, and Attitudes Towards Speech and Language Therapy Services of Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: A Quantitative Analysis

Ahmed Olaitan Lawal, Foluke Abiodun Oyenuga, Udeme Samuel Jacob, Jace Pillay — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the relationship between parental knowledge, perception, and attitudes toward speech and language therapy for children with cerebral palsy. The study adopted a descriptive research design of correlational type. Purposive sampling was used to identify fifty parents of individuals with cerebral palsy as respondents in the Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Self-structured questionnaires on parental knowledge, perception, and attitudes toward speech and language therapy were used for data collection from the respondents. The findings revealed that parents had moderate knowledge about speech and language therapy, with varying levels of perception and attitudes toward speech and language therapy. The study's limitations include the small sample size, sampling bias, self-reported data, and limited geographic scope. These limitations should be considered when interpreting the study's findings. Despite these constraints, this research provides valuable insights into the complexities of parental perspectives on speech and language therapy for children with cerebral palsy. It highlights the need for further exploration in this area. Future research should address these limitations to understand parental experiences and perspectives in diverse contexts comprehensively.