Examining Wellness in Children and Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: a Scoping Review

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review explored the literature on wellness in children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We asked the following: (1) how is wellness conceptualized?; (2) what contributes to a sense of wellness?; (3) what is the current state of wellness research for this population?; and (4) what recommendations are there for clinical practice?Recent FindingsWellness has been conceptualized as having multiple, overlapping dimensions (e.g., physical, psychological), which can contribute to an overarching sense of wellness when combined and balanced. Most of the wellness literature on children and youth with IDD focus on particular aspects of wellness (e.g., physical activity).SummaryThirty-seven wellness articles related to children and youth with IDD were identified. Only two defined wellness. Most focused on physical wellness while others addressed multiple wellness dimensions, but none examined wellness comprehensively. Further research can explore what wellness interventions are relevant to children and youth themselves.
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - Category: Child Development Source Type: research