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Abstract: The article describes the results of research involving mothers with intellectual disabilities. The aim of author's own study was to learn about maternal experiences related to raising children with intellectual disabilities. The experiences were described in greater detail in relation to the diagnosed disabilities of their children, early stage of their upbringing, problems emerging during their development, involvement of significant (supporting) persons. In addition, issues addressed in the study included description of maternal competences, the subjective meaning and essence of motherhood, and perception of the role of one's own disability in acting as a mother. Moreover, factors related to life situation of mothers, their previous experiences, especially experiences in their families of origin and personality features significant for the quality of motherhood, were identified. Keywords: Mothers with intellectual disability, child with intellectual disability, motherhood, personal experience.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Background: Emotional and behavioural problems occur at a high rate in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These problems are associated with a broad range of risk factors such as parental psychopathology and family environment in school-age children and adolescents. However, limited information is available about these phenomena in toddlers and preschool children. This cross-sectional study examined the association of maternal and paternal psychiatric symptoms and mother-child relationships with emotional and behavioural problems and socioemotional competence of newly-diagnosed young children with ASD. Method: Autistic symptoms, developmental level, and mother-child relationship of children were evaluated.Parents completed a checklist on child behavioural and emotional problems, and individual questionnaires on their own mental health. Results: Participants were 35 children with ASD aged 18 – 53 months, referred to an infant mental health clinic. Maternal hostility and poor mother-child relationships have been found to be independently associated with emotional and behaviour problems in these children. Conclusions: This study suggests that maternal hostility and mother-child relationship problems may play a role for the development of emotional and behaviour problems in toddlers and preschool children with ASD. Keywords: ASD, toddlers, preschool children, emotional problems, behavioural problems, parents.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Introduction:Rett Syndrome is a genetic disorder that limits a girl’s ability to use her upper extremities for daily activities, such as dressing and playing. One possible intervention to improve upper extremity function in this population is virtual reality, which can be used to increase activity demands during therapy sessions. Objectives: To determine the feasibility of using internet-based virtual reality intervention for Rett Syndrome (RTT-IVR), to decrease hand wringing/mouthing and increase hand and arm movements away from the midline by identifying attributes and limitations to the proposed intervention. Materials and Methods: Using FAAST Software and Microsoft Kinect sensor, RTT-IVR was trialed with 6 girls with RTT. Upper extremity movements were used to play free Internet games as means of increasing repetitions and purposeful arm movements. Data regarding attributes and limitations of the RTT-IVR intervention were collected via observation and post-session parent interviews. Results: Interviews and observation revealed successful game play when games were motivating, clearly established cause and effect, and matched level of cognitive ability of the participant. Limitations include technological glitches regarding Kinect sensor sensitivity and identifying appropriate games for each participant’s interests and abilities. Conclusion: Internet based virtual reality interventions for girls with RTT should be highly individualized to increase motivation and success of intervention. Keywords: Rett Syndrome, internet-based virtual reality, Microsoft Kinect, upper extremity movements; qualitative analysis.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Introduction: Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a genetic disorder primarily seen in females that inhibits the use of a girl’s hands in everyday activities. A girl with RTT spends the majority of her day engaged in stereotypical hand wringing/mouthing movements at midline of the body. The probable cause behind the neurological effects of RTT is a mutation in the gene that encodes for methyl-CpG protein 2 (MeCP2). The hand wringing/mouthing behaviors preclude a girl with RTT from using the upper extremities in purposeful tasks such as school work, play skills, and other activities of daily living. Objectives: To develop a virtual reality (VR)-based therapeutic intervention that 1) decreases upper extremity stereotypies (repetitive movements that serve no function) that interfere with purposeful arm and hand use and 2) promotes purposeful, goal-directed arm function; improve upper extremity motor skills in girls with RTT. Materials and Methods: Using FAAST Software and Microsoft Kinect sensor, one girl with RTT participated in a 12-week IVR intervention (1 hour/session, 3 sessions/week, 36 total hours). Pre- and post-assessments were administered to examine any changes in upper extremity function. Results: The VR intervention led to improvements in use of the upper extremities to complete self-care activities, an increased number of reaches completed in a 15-minute period, and decreased time engaged in stereotypical hand movements. Conclusion: Future work will add additional support to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality as an intervention for girls with RTT. Keywords: Rett Syndrome, internet-based virtual reality, Microsoft Kinect, upper extremity movements, upper extremity stereotypies.Download Full Article |