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Training-Induced Neuroplasticity in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
We present an overview of current knowledge and highlight the effects of Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) intervention on brain st ructure in children with DCD.Recent FindingsThe frontal lobe, parietal lobe, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and the corpus callosum have been associated with motor learning difficulties in children with DCD. We found that white matter microstructure and/or volume in theright corona radiata,anterior thalamic radiation, and thecorpus callosum improves following CO-OP intervention in children with DCD.SummaryTraining-induced changes in brain structure and function can be seen ...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - April 20, 2020 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

As Diverse as the Spectrum Itself: Trends in Sexuality, Gender and Autism
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this paper is to provide an update on recent findings relating to sexuality and gender in autism. The following questions were posed in the review of recent literature: What are the key emerging trends in sexuality and gender within autism, and how might these issues have clinical significance?Recent FindingsAfter many years of misinformation, it is now recognised that most autistic people are interested in romance and sexuality. There is growing awareness of reduced heterosexuality and increased diversity and dysphoria in gender identity in autistic people, and initial clinical guideli...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - March 22, 2020 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

The Relationships Between Motor Competence, Physical Activity, Fitness and Self-Concept in Children and Adolescents with DCD
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStrong links exist in children and adolescents with high motor competence between physical activity level, physical fitness and self-concept. Are similar associations also evident for those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and do they vary with age or between genders?Recent FindingsLow levels of physical activity and fitness have been identified in those with DCD, but self-concept was not considered in these studies. The picture is muddied by the many terms used to investigate the self. We identified that self-concept is not necessarily lower in those with DCD if they do not believe ...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - February 12, 2020 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Examining the Effectiveness of a Variable Momentary Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior Procedure on Reduction and Maintenance of Problem Behavior
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo evaluate the effectiveness of variable-momentary differential reinforcement of other behavior (VM DRO) schedules in the reduction and maintenance of problem behavior. Specifically, will VM DRO be effective in reducing severe problem behavior for two children diagnosed with developmental disorders (DD)?Recent FindingsDifferential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing severe problem behavior for decades. However, recent manipulations to the schedule of delivery have led to advancements in DRO. Indicatively, VM DRO has been an effective intervention...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - February 7, 2020 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Is Developmental Coordination Disorder a Dysconnection Syndrome?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewClassical view of disconnection refers to damage in white matter connections leading to behavioral deficits on sensorimotor and cognitive tasks in brain-injured patients. A more recent conception refers to dysconnection, that means abnormal connectivity between brain regions, as found in psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The present paper aims to explore the hypothesis that Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) presents a set of neural, behavioral, and cognitive signs that suggest a dysconnection syndrome.Recent FindingsCurrent literature on DCD using behavioral ...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - January 27, 2020 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention for People With Angelman Syndrome: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAngelman syndrome is often associated with severe communication impairment indicating the need for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention. The present review sought to identify and summarize intervention studies on the use of augmentative and alternative communication for people with Angelman syndrome.Recent FindingsRecently, a specific communicative profile has been suggested for people with Angelman syndrome. To identify the usefulness of AAC to augment this profile, we conducted a systematic search of the literature. Nine studies were identified and summarized with respect...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - January 13, 2020 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

The Nature and Function of Vocalizations in Atypical Communication
AbstractPurpose of ReviewA survey of current research including people with disorders in which speech is impaired shows that vocalizations are vastly discussed as a communication strategy, used both in isolation or paired with other aids. The principal goal of this paper is to describe the ways researchers are using the termvocalizations and the meanings and functions attributed to it. We also discuss possible future developments for specific research on unaided communication.Recent FindingsAlthough research has not focused specifically on the nature and function of vocalizations, several scholars were able to highlight th...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - January 10, 2020 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Preventing Challenging Behaviors in People with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe review the current literature on preventing challenging behaviors in people with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The goal of the review is to identify existing best practices shown to prevent or reduce challenging behaviors. We then review emerging areas of innovation that may help contribute to a more robust approach to prevent the development of these behaviors.Recent FindingsPreventative interventions that include family-based protective factors, communication skills, social competence, and/or functional skills show evidence of reducing or preventing challenging behaviors. Research on the em...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - November 15, 2019 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

ADHD in Adults and Its Relation with Methamphetamine Use: National Data
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder and methamphetamine use disorder are common comorbidities. National data regarding methamphetamine use is available per the most recent SAMSHA report. Even though attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and methamphetamine seem to commonly coexist, we do not have national figures which would provide a more comprehensive picture. The purpose of the article is to highlight this comorbidity and discuss some of the possible shared neurobiological and other pertinent overlapping features.Recent FindingsPer the 2017 SAMSHA report, among the 8.3 million younger ad...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - November 14, 2019 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Prevalence of Challenging Behaviour in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities, Correlates, and Association with Mental Health
We describe common correlates identified such as communication impairments, severity of intellectual disability, and living in institutional settings or congregate care. We also describe the complex and multifaceted relationship between challenging behaviour and mental health.SummaryBased on recent studies, we propose a revised framework model to help understand challenging behaviour. We propose a number of areas where more research is required, particularly the development of risk tools clinicians can utilise in practice. (Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports)
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - November 7, 2019 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Driving and Road Rage Associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe main objective of the present review was to give an overall idea regarding the impacts of ADHD on driving and road rage. In addition, we have also discussed the possible treatment options for ADHD drivers in brief.Recent FindingsAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of developmental disorder, which is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. ADHD affects around 2.5% of the population. Individuals with ADHD have numerous impairments of cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. And this affects their day-to-day life. One of the major daily activities, ...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Review of Evidence-Based Approaches to Caregiver Training
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTraining caregivers on tasks related to quality of life for the individuals they support is important across service sectors. Moreover, trainees often rank quality training as highly acceptable. This review summarizes the current status of the caregiver training literature, while providing recommendations for future research initiatives.Recent FindingsTelecommunication and pyramidal training models represent advancements in caregiver trainings, and burgeoning evidence suggests that these approaches may effectively develop caregiver skill mastery. However, improved caregiver performance may not reli...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Sleep and ADHD: A review article
AbstractPurpose of ReviewADHD which is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder affecting cognitive and behavioral domains of the person affected has also been known to be associated with sleep problems as a comorbidity.Recent FindingsSleep disorders including sleep-disordered breathing, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, insomnia, and hypersomnia have been known to have an intertwined relationship. On the other hand, changes in sleep pattern have also been reported to affect the domains that are affected in ADHD. Medications used to treat ADHD have also been known to affect sleep in these patients.SummaryThis review article su...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Neurobiology of ADHD: A Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewADHD is a complex neuropsychiatric condition which has been known to cause a lot of changes in the structural and functional aspects as well as neurochemistry of the brain.Recent FindingsThe structural aspects include changes primarily affecting but not limited to the prefrontal cortex, corpus striatum, and cerebellum. Dopamine and norepinephrine are the key neurotransmitters that are implicated in the pathophysiology of this condition. The above-mentioned neurotransmitter transporters and alterations or mutations to their genes have also been known to be a common finding in patients with ADHD.Summ...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - November 5, 2019 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Variations of Functional Communication Training and Their Effects on Resurgence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this study was to evaluate what effect teaching multiple functional communicative responses (FCRs) as outlined in serial functional communication training (FCT) had on resurgence of problem behavior and FCRs during extinction challenges. Researchers then evaluated what effect implementing a lag schedule of reinforcement following serial FCT had on resurgence of problem behavior and FCRs during extinction challenges compared with serial FCT.Recent FindingsRecent findings evaluated the effect of a serial FCT procedure on resurgence of problem behavior, and the persistence of FCRs in an...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - October 28, 2019 Category: Child Development Source Type: research