Neurodevelopmental disorders among Spanish school-age children: prevalence and sociodemographic correlates

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Rosa Bosch ◽  
Mireia Pagerols ◽  
Cristina Rivas ◽  
Laura Sixto ◽  
Laura Bricollé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Motor Disorder ◽  
School Type ◽  
Final Population ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Sociodemographic Correlates

Abstract Background Prevalence estimates of neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) are essential for treatment planning. However, epidemiological research has yielded highly variable rates across countries, including Spain. This study examined the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of ND in a school sample of Spanish children and adolescents. Methods The Child Behaviour Checklist/Teacher's Report Form/Youth Self-Report and the Conners' Rating Scales were administered for screening purposes. Additionally, teachers provided information on reading and writing difficulties. Subjects who screened positive were interviewed for diagnostic confirmation according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. The final population comprised 6834 students aged 5–17. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the influence of gender, age, educational stage, school type, socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnicity on the prevalence estimates. Results A total of 1249 (18.3%) subjects met criteria for at least one ND, although only 423 had already received a diagnosis. Specifically, the following prevalence rates were found: intellectual disabilities (ID), 0.63%; communication disorders, 1.05%; autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 0.70%; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 9.92%; specific learning disorder (SLD), 10.0%; and motor disorders, 0.76%. Students of foreign origin and from low SES evidenced higher odds of having ID. Boys were more likely to display ASD or a motor disorder. Age, SES, and ethnicity were significant predictors for SLD, while communication disorders and ADHD were also associated with gender. Conclusions The prevalence of ND among Spanish students is consistent with international studies. However, a substantial proportion had never been previously diagnosed, which emphasise the need for early detection and intervention programmes.

scholarly journals Neurodevelopmental Trajectories and Clinical Profiles in a Sample of Children and Adolescents With Early- and Very-Early-Onset Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Pontillo ◽  
Roberto Averna ◽  
Maria Cristina Tata ◽  
Fabrizia Chieppa ◽  
Maria Laura Pucciarini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Early Onset Schizophrenia ◽  
Assessment And Treatment

Schizophrenia before the age of 18 years is usually divided into two categories. Early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) presents between the ages of 13 and 17 years, whereas very-early-onset schizophrenia (VEOS) presents at or before the age of 12 years. Previous studies have found that neurodevelopmental difficulties in social, motor, and linguistic domains are commonly observed in VEOS/EOS patients. Recent research has also shown a high prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., intellectual disability, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, neurodevelopmental motor disorders) in VEOS/EOS patients, indicating genetic overlap between these conditions. These findings lend support to the neurodevelopmental continuum model, which holds that childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and difficulties and psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) fall on an etiological and neurodevelopmental continuum, and should not be considered discrete entities. Based on this literature, in this study we focused on the overlap between neurodevelopmental disorders and schizophrenia investigating, in a large sample (N = 230) of VEOS/EOS children and adolescents, the clinical differences, at the onset of psychosis, between VEOS/EOS with neurodevelopmental disorder or neurodevelopmental difficulties and VEOS/EOS with no diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder or neurodevelopmental difficulties. The findings showed that, in children and adolescents with a neurodevelopmental disorder or neurodevelopmental difficulties, psychosis onset occurred at an earlier age, was associated with more severe functional impairment (e.g., global, social, role), and was characterized by positive symptoms (e.g., grandiose ideas, perceptual abnormalities, disorganized communication) and disorganized symptoms (e.g., odd behavior or appearance, bizarre thinking). Instead, in children and adolescents without a neurodevelopmental disorder or neurodevelopmental difficulties, psychosis onset was mainly characterized by negative symptomatology (e.g., social anhedonia, avolition, expression of emotion, experience of emotions and self, ideational richness). Given these differences, the presence of a neurodevelopmental disorder or neurodevelopmental difficulties should be carefully investigated and integrated early into the assessment and treatment plan for VEOS/EOS patients.

scholarly journals Parental Stress and Disability in Offspring: A Snapshot during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1040
Author(s):  
Martina Siracusano ◽  
Assia Riccioni ◽  
Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti ◽  
Eugenia Segatori ◽  
Lucrezia Arturi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parental Stress ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Sotos Syndrome ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Genetic Syndromes ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Parenting a child with a disability, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic syndromes, implies a high level of stress. During the COVID-19 outbreak—as a period implying additional challenges—few studies have specifically investigated caregivers’ distress among neurodevelopmental disabilities. The objective of the study is to investigate whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of parental stress differs between four disability groups including neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) and genetic syndromes (Rett syndrome (RTT), Sotos syndrome (SS)) in comparison to families with typical development offspring (TD). In total, 220 Italian parents of children affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities (74 ASD, 51 ADHD, 34 SS, 21 RTT, 40 TD; age M 9.4 ± SD 4.2) underwent a standardized evaluation for stress related to parenting through the self-report questionnaire, Parental Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). The main findings show greater levels of parental stress—mainly linked to child behavioral characteristics rather than parental sense of competence—in parents of children affected by a disability in comparison to children with typical development. This study highlights the need to support not only individuals with special needs but also their own caregivers: core figures in the management and outcome of children disorders.

scholarly journals A Narrative Review of Function-Focused Measures for Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kajaani Shanmugarajah ◽  
Peter Rosenbaum ◽  
Mohammad Zubairi ◽  
Briano Di Rezze
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Measurement Development ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Clinical Measures

Clinical measures in health and rehabilitation settings are often used to examine child functioning to better support the diverse needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and their families. The WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework reflects a focus of health beyond biomedical deficits, using the concept of functioning to create opportunities for measurement development involving this construct. In the measures developed in the field of childhood NDD, it is unclear whether and how these tools measure and incorporate the ICF framework and its domains within health care contexts. Understanding how these measures utilize the ICF will enable researchers and clinicians to operationalize function-focused concepts in studies and clinical practice more effectively. This narrative review aims to identify and describe function-focused measures that are based on the ICF for children with NDD, as described in the peer-reviewed literature. This review used a systematic search strategy with multiple health-focused databases (Medline, PsycInfo, EMBASE, EMCARE), and identified 14 clinical measures that provide direct support for children (aged 0-21) with NDD in pediatric health (and other) settings. Results described the measures that were primarily developed for three main diagnostic populations [cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and communication disorders]; had varying contextual use (clinical-only or multiple settings); and for which authors had conducted psychometric tests in the measure's initial development studies, with the most common being content validity, interrater reliability, test-retest reliability. Participation (79%, n = 11) & Activities (71%, n = 10) were the most common ICF domains captured by the set of measurement tools. Overall (71%, n = 10) of the identified measures utilized multiple ICF domains, indicating that the “dynamic nature” of the interactions of the ICF domains was generally evident, and that this result differentiated from “linking rules,” commonly used in research and clinical practice. The implications of these findings suggest that clinical measures can be an effective application of the ICF's defined concepts of functioning for children with NDD.

scholarly journals Perinatal Exposure to Environmental Endocrine Disruptors in the Emergence of Neurodevelopmental Psychiatric Diseases: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrice Rivollier ◽  
Marie-Odile Krebs ◽  
Oussama Kebir
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Endocrine Disruptor ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Global Developmental Delay ◽  
Perinatal Exposure ◽  
Developmental Abnormalities

Background: Exposure to endocrine disruptors is on the rise, with new compounds regularly incriminated. In animals and humans, this exposure during critical developmental windows has been associated with various developmental abnormalities, including the emergence of psychiatric disorders. We aimed to review the association between perinatal endocrine disruptor exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, focusing on cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Methods: We performed a systematic review with key words referring to the fields of neurodevelopment and endocrine disruptors. We reviewed 896 titles, choosing studies on the basis of titles and abstracts. We searched through the methodology sections to find perinatal exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, following the categories indicated in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). References in some studies brought us to a total of 47 studies included here. Results: Convergent studies report an association between exposure to endocrine disruptors and autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, communication disorders and unspecified neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusion: Sufficient data exist to report that exposure to some endocrine disruptors is a risk factor for the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Studying endocrine disruptor exposure in humans is still associated with some limits that are difficult to overcome.

scholarly journals Screening and diagnostic assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders in a male prison

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane McCarthy ◽  
Eddie Chaplin ◽  
Lisa Underwood ◽  
Andrew Forrester ◽  
Hannah Hayward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Diagnostic Assessment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Male Prisoners ◽  
Autism Diagnostic Observation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify neurodevelopmental disorders and difficulties (NDD) in a male prison. The study used standardised tools to carry out screening and diagnostic assessment of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). Design/methodology/approach – The ADHD self-report scale, 20-item autism quotient and the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire were used to screen 240 male prisoners. Prisoners who screened positive on one or more of these scales or self-reported a diagnosis of ADHD, ASD or ID were further assessed using the diagnostic interview for ADHD in adults, adapted Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Quick Test. Findings – Of the 87 prisoners who screened positive for NDD and were further assessed, 70 met the study’s diagnostic criteria for ADHD, ASD or ID. Most of those with NDD (51 per cent) had previously gone unrecognised and a high proportion (51 per cent) were identified through staff- or self-referral to the study. Originality/value – The study demonstrated that improving awareness and providing access to skilled, standardised assessment within a male prison can result in increased recognition and identification of NDD.

A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists' Approaches to Assessing Social Communication Disorders in Children

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Kristen Izaryk ◽  
Robin Edge ◽  
Dawn Lechwar
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Teacher Report ◽  
Formal Assessment ◽  
Language Sampling ◽  
Specific Assessment ◽  
Social Communication Disorders

Purpose The purpose of this article is to explore and describe the approaches and specific assessment tools that speech-language pathologists are currently using to assess social communication disorders (SCDs) in children, in relation to current best practices. Method Ninety-four speech-language pathologists completed an online survey asking them to identify which of the following approaches they use to assess children with SCD: parent/teacher report, naturalistic observation, formal assessment, language sample analysis, interviews, semistructured tasks, and peer/self-report. Participants were also asked to identify specific assessment tools they use within each approach. Results Participants most commonly assess SCDs by combining interviews, naturalistic observation, language sampling, parent/teacher report, and formal assessment. Semistructured tasks and peer/self-report tools were less frequently utilized. Several established parent/teacher report and formal assessment tools were commonly identified for assessing SCDs. Most participants use an informal approach for interviews, language sampling, and naturalistic observations in their SCD assessment process. Conclusions Generally, participants follow best practices for assessing SCDs by combining several different approaches. Some considerations for future assessment are identified, including the use of established protocols in the place of informal approaches in order to make the assessment of SCDs more systematic. Future directions for research are discussed.

Aging and Autism

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Need For Support ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

In this article, I will review the available recent literature about the aging population with autism, a patient group that researchers know little about and a group that is experiencing a growing need for support from communication disorders professionals. Speech-language pathologists working with geriatric patients should become familiar with this issue, as the numbers of older patients with autism spectrum disorders is likely to increase. Our profession and our health care system must prepare to meet the challenge these patients and residents will present as they age.

The Role of the SLP in Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Assessment

2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Philofsky
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Notable Increase ◽  
Screening Assessment ◽  
Critical Components

AbstractRecent prevalence estimates for autism have been alarming as a function of the notable increase. Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in screening, assessment and intervention for children with autism. This article reviews signs that may be indicative of autism at different stages of language development, and discusses the importance of several psychometric properties—sensitivity and specificity—in utilizing screening measures for children with autism. Critical components of assessment for children with autism are reviewed. This article concludes with examples of intervention targets for children with ASD at various levels of language development.

The Effect of Real-Time Feedback Using a Smartwatch on the Clinical Behavior of Novice Student Clinicians

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 79-90
Author(s):  
Courtney G. Scott ◽  
Trina M. Becker ◽  
Kenneth O. Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Clinical Behavior ◽  
Stimulus Response ◽  
Treatment Data ◽  
Computer Monitors

The use of computer monitors to provide technology-based written feedback during clinical sessions, referred to as “bug-in-the-eye” (BITi) feedback, recently emerged in the literature with preliminary evidence to support its effectiveness (Carmel, Villatte, Rosenthal, Chalker & Comtois, 2015; Weck et al., 2016). This investigation employed a single-subject, sequential A-B design with two participants to observe the effects of implementing BITi feedback using a smartwatch on the clinical behavior of student clinicians (SCs). Baseline and treatment data on the stimulus-response-consequence (S-R-C) contingency completion rates of SCs were collected using 10 minute segments of recorded therapy sessions. All participants were students enrolled in a clinical practicum experience in a communication disorders and sciences (CDS) program. A celeration line, descriptive statistics, and stability band were used to analyze the data by slope, trend, and variability. Results demonstrated a significant correlative relationship between BITi feedback with a smartwatch and an increase in positive clinical behaviors. Based on qualitative interviews and exit rating scales, SCs reported BITi feedback was noninvasive and minimally distracting. Preliminary evidence suggests BITi feedback with a smartwatch may be an effective tool for providing real-time clinical feedback.

Articles Published in EJPA 2009–2010

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuulia M. Ortner ◽  
Isabella Vormittag
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Assessment ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Related Field ◽  
Broad Scope ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Self Report Data

With reference to EJPA’s unique and broad scope, the current study analyzed the characteristics of the authors as well as the topics and research aims of the 69 empirical articles published in the years 2009–2010. Results revealed that more than one third of the articles were written by authors affiliated with more than one country. With reference to their research aims, an almost comparable number of articles (1) presented a new measure, (2) dealt with adaptations of measures, or (3) dealt with further research on existing measures. Analyses also revealed that most articles did not address any particular field of application. The second largest group was comprised of articles related to the clinical field, followed by the health-related field of application. The majority of all articles put their focus on investigating questionnaires or rating scales, and only a small number of articles investigated procedures classified as tests or properties of interviews. As to further characteristics of the method(s) used, a majority of EJPA contributions addressed self-report data. Results are discussed with reference to publication demands as well as the current and future challenges and demands of psychological assessment.

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