ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Purpose of reviewThis paper reviews research published since March 2002 that has addressed the situation of families with a person with intellectual disabilities. Such research is organized into research concerning families with a child with intellectual disabilities and families with an adult with intellectual disabilities, including parents with intellectual disabilities. Trends in family research, including greater methodological diversity and an expanding conception of the family, are highlighted.Recent findingsParents of children with intellectual disabilities report relatively high levels of distress, with a wide range of child, parent, family and service support factors implicated in parental distress. However, many parents also report positive perceptions of their child with intellectual disabilities. Research with parents who themselves have intellectual disabilities report very high levels of maternal distress, associated with a lack of social support. Methodologically, most studies are quantitative cross-sectional surveys using correlational analyses, with little consistency in measures or constructs across studies. However, increasing methodological diversity in family research is apparent.SummaryResearch concerning families with people with intellectual disabilities is gradually becoming more methodologically diverse and theoretically sophisticated, although more cooperation between research groups is required. Family research is also changing to reflect the changing status of people with intellectual disabilities in society, with expanding conceptions of family systems and increasing attempts to elicit the views of people with intellectual disabilities on their perceptions of these family systems.

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Purpose of reviewThis review focuses on papers published during the past year on early childhood intervention. We consider literature reviews, program descriptions, and empirical studies in two broad areas of early intervention: for children with developmental disabilities, and for children considered at-risk for developmental problems.Recent findingsThis year's empirical studies utilized a broad array of outcome variables, going beyond cognitive factors to include children's socio-emotional development and family functioning as well. The ‘at-risk’ studies made contributions in three areas: predictors of outcome, parent-child relationships, and comparisons and replications of programs. The developmental disability reviews and studies were concentrated on autism, with a methodological focus. Their conclusion was that despite much encouraging evidence for early intervention effectiveness with autism, there is still no one approach that meets accepted criteria for an empirically validated treatment.SummaryComprehensive early intervention programs can be quite effective for young children with developmental disabilities, as well as for children who are at risk due to biological or environmental factors. There is a need for additional development and evaluation of evidence-based treatments, as well as a further understanding of mediators and moderators of treatment outcome.

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Purpose of reviewGiven the recent explosion in research on the behavioral aspects of many genetic causes of developmental disorders, it may soon be possible to develop ‘etiology-specific’ programs of intervention. Down syndrome may be particularly interesting in this regard because children with this disorder show relative weaknesses in grammar, articulation, and receptive language; at the same time, these children show relative strengths in visual short-term memory. For over a decade, instruction in reading has been suggested as an entryway into language for children with Down syndrome.Recent findingsCurrent reading studies focus on both the processes and effects of learning to read as well as on the best approaches to teach reading. Children with Down syndrome may not perform as well as typically developing children in understanding several aspects of phonological awareness (e.g. detecting whether two words rhyme). In addition, the direction of effects seems to be language-into-reading, and notvice versa. Finally, an ‘analytic’ (i.e. phonologic) approach to reading may be better for these children than a sight-word approach.SummaryDespite a cognitive-linguistic profile that would seem to support reading as an entryway into more complex language, children with Down syndrome have difficulties with aspects of phonologic processing and, like typical children, appear to need such phonologic skills to achieve higher levels of reading. To date, then, the connections remain elusive between cognitive-linguistic profiles and reading instruction in Down syndrome.

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Purpose of reviewTo examine recent research evidence and reviews about personality disorder in intellectual disability, focusing on papers published from March 2002 to March 2003.Recent findingsThe year in review has seen a stock-take of the limited research on personality disorder in intellectual disability. Research to date has been hampered by methodological shortcomings, hence the rubbery figures on prevalence. There has been much discussion about the challenges in applying a number of diagnostic tools, for which there are limited data on reliability and validity, with several small-scale studies illustrating these difficulties. A number of new diagnostic instruments have been developed, although for some there are problems with construct validity. This reflects the lack of conceptual clarity about the fundamental constructs of personality disorder in intellectual disability and the blurring of the boundaries between personality, psychiatric and behaviour disorders. Advances have been in the area of personality development and there are some preliminary studies into the childhood antecedents to adult personality disorder in intellectual disability. Intervention studies are rare and are limited to clinical case studies.SummaryThe recent upsurge in interest in personality disorder in intellectual disability and methodological developments should enable future research into the development, prevalence, and outcomes of interventions to inform clinical practice and service provision.

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Purpose of reviewOf the more than 1000 known genetic causes of mental retardation, Williams syndrome was selected for review because it aptly demonstrates both amazing advances and glaring omissions in the field of behavioral phenotypes.Recent findingsResearch on the Williams syndrome behavioral phenotype remains rather lopsided, with an abundance of publications on cognitive and linguistic profiles. Recent progress in these domains, especially in visual-spatial functioning, is summarized. In contrast, data are scant on psychosocial factors that predict successful life outcomes, including social competence and adaptation, psychopathology, families, and educational and vocational interventions. By examining one of these non-cognitive domains - psychopathology - the review highlights findings that are just as startling as the cognitive peaks and valleys that have long dominated the Williams syndrome phenotype landscape.SummaryWilliams syndrome demonstrates the need for a more integrated, ‘whole-person’ program of research. Specific recommendations are made that address this need.

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Purpose of reviewThis review is intended to provide an update of recent advances in psychopharmacology to support evidence-based prescription of psychotropic medications for autism spectrum disorders.Recent findingsPharmacotherapy continues to be an important component of a comprehensive treatment program for autism spectrum disorders. Evidence is accumulating supporting the use of second-generation antipsychotic medications and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Recent studies suggest that they are effective and relatively well tolerated, not only in the adult population but also in children with this disorder. Other approaches, such as the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, anticonvulsants and dietary enzymes, may also be potentially useful, but further research on these compounds is needed.SummaryOne of the intriguing aspects of autism spectrum disorders is the unclear pathogenesis. In the absence of any definite evidence of neurochemical abnormalities, there is currently no medication that can be used for the curative treatment of this disorder. However, many distressing symptoms and aberrant behaviors, such as severe tantrums, aggression, hyperactivity and self-injurious behaviors, can be targeted by pharmacotherapy. Amelioration of these symptoms will enhance the individual's ability to participate in educational and community programs, as well as reducing the stress experienced by the carers.

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Purpose of reviewThis review focuses on papers that pertain to recent work on Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism. We noted areas in which there was a preponderance of research published over the last year, including: social communication, sensory characteristics, eye gaze, neurocognitive aspects, comorbidity, and treatment and intervention studies.Recent findingsChildren, adolescents, and even adults with Asperger syndrome/high functioning autism appear to be deficient in social skills that involve self-referencing, empathy, determination of emotions in others or inferring the thoughts of others. Some neurocognitive studies suggest that Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism are distinct disorders. A variety of social-behavioral interventions appeared in the literature, with generally positive outcomes. Comorbidity of Asperger syndrome and other psychiatric conditions (e.g. attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or depression) continues to be identified.SummaryStudies focusing on descriptions and specific sequelae of social deficits in Asperger syndrome/high functioning autism dominated the literature of the past year. With the decoding of the human genome it is also likely that the search for genetic pathways to Asperger syndrome/high functioning autism will continue. Finally, based on the almost total lack of information in this area, there is a clear need to develop better understanding of the experience of families raising children with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome.

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Purpose of reviewThis paper provides an overview of the human rights of mental patients in India from a global perspective. There is diversity regarding the awareness and implementation of human rights issues in a large democratic country like India, with a population of over one billion. India's constitution envisages the establishment of a new social order, and one of the primary duties of the states is to improve public health. India has a national health policy and national mental health programme, and has a mix of public and private mental health facilities.Recent findingsAfter the development of a national mental health policy and a new Mental Health Act in 1987, and the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission in 1994, there is greater awareness about mental health issues, including human rights, in India. This increased awareness has brought into focus the poor conditions in some of the old mental hospitals. Although some aberrations of violations of human rights issues reported in the Erwadi Tragedy in 2001 cannot be generalized for the whole country, such issues have attracted wider media attention.SummaryRecent media coverage and legal interventions on human rights issues regarding mental patients have attracted wider attention of both public and policy makers. The efforts of the courts have helped to safeguard human rights and develop the quality of mental healthcare norms in India. Health legislation and mental health policy, with the support of mental health professionals, can positively help improve the quality of care for the forgotten millions.

ISSN:0951-7367    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2003

数据来源: OVID