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Abstract: Objectives: To analyze temporal trends of mortality, morbidity, growth and neurodevelopment until 2 years of corrected age (CA) of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) born between 1986- 2005 in Ramon Sardá Maternal Infant Hospital (RSMIH). Methods: Descriptive temporal trend study divided in 5 quinquenniums.1255 VLBWI were born at RSMIH between 1986-2005; 46 were excluded (genetic syndromes, major congenital malformations, confirmed intrauterine infections), 84 were referred out and 1125 were studied. Birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA); morbidity; growth; neurodevelopment at 1 and 2 years of CA; neurological and sensorial disorders, antenatal steroids use, breastfeeding; rehospitalizations; mothers´ age and years of schooling and Unsatisfied Basic Needs Index (UBNI) were recorded. Results: Survival rates increased during the last two periods, especially in <1000g BW infants despite the decrease in GA and BW. Children receiving surfactant (Sf), parenteral nutrition (PN) and antenatal steroids (AS) in the last quinquennium obtained better results in growth (40 weeks GA and 1 CA). The use of these therapies increased greatly in the last decade. Also breastfeeding at 40 weeks GA and 4 months tended to be better. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) increased. Rehospitalizations (majorly attributable to lower tract infections) and UBNI stayed equal all along. Mothers’ years of schooling increased a little in the last two quinquenniums. Conclusion: In the last quinquennium children tended to be smaller in GA and BW due to an increase in the survival rate as a result of higher technology and appropriate interventions such as AS, PN, Sf, etc. Keywords: Preterm, growth, morbidity, mortality, neurodevelopment.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: This investigation evaluated the effectiveness of a priming intervention to decrease the latency to mand for a five-year-old boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Parent participation in clinical applied behavior analytic intervention was increased by providing the family members with a home- and community-based priming technique to increase the efficacy of clinical treatment. Using a multiple-baseline design across settings, mand response latency was analyzed as a function of the verbal behavior priming intervention employed by two different caregivers. Results of the study indicate that the caregiver-implemented priming intervention was successful in reducing the child’s latency to vocalize a request, allowing for more efficient use of instructional time. Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, response latency, priming, manding, behavioral momentum. |
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Abstract: Poor Theory of Mind (ToM) (or difficulties imputing mental states to self and others) [1], (See also [2-5]) is often blamed for certain responses and behaviour in autism. However, the Theory of Mind Task Battery requires an understanding of language, the use of cognitive skills, as well as the child’s motivation and attention to complete. All of these factors are either weak or under-developed in individuals with autism suggesting that this is not the best means to measure one’s understanding that other people have their own thoughts, plans, beliefs, or point of view. Behaviours like strong defiance, insistence on sameness, fear associated with sudden change and severe anxiety may be related to difficulties seeing beyond the ‘now’ [6]. This paper suggests that some of the stress and anxiety in the autism population may actually be due to delayed object permanence (OP) (knowing something may still exist even if it is out of sight), which can appear as poor ToM. This delay in establishing OP is governed by single focused attention. For more information on this concept see: Lawson, W. (2011) The passionate mind, JKP:London. Although ToM and OP are defined differently, this paper aims to show the relationship between them and how one concept can influence the other using examples in everyday life to illustrate how poor OP is associated with single focused attention, which detracts from the bigger picture. Keywords: Autism, Object Permanence, Theory of Mind, Single Attention, Interest.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Poor Theory of Mind (ToM) (or difficulties imputing mental states to self and others) [1], (See also [2-5]) is often blamed for certain responses and behaviour in autism. However, the Theory of Mind Task Battery requires an understanding of language, the use of cognitive skills, as well as the child’s motivation and attention to complete. All of these factors are either weak or under-developed in individuals with autism suggesting that this is not the best means to measure one’s understanding that other people have their own thoughts, plans, beliefs, or point of view. Behaviours like strong defiance, insistence on sameness, fear associated with sudden change and severe anxiety may be related to difficulties seeing beyond the ‘now’ [6]. This paper suggests that some of the stress and anxiety in the autism population may actually be due to delayed object permanence (OP) (knowing something may still exist even if it is out of sight), which can appear as poor ToM. This delay in establishing OP is governed by single focused attention. For more information on this concept see: Lawson, W. (2011) The passionate mind, JKP:London. Although ToM and OP are defined differently, this paper aims to show the relationship between them and how one concept can influence the other using examples in everyday life to illustrate how poor OP is associated with single focused attention, which detracts from the bigger picture. Keywords: Autism, Object Permanence, Theory of Mind, Single Attention, Interest. |
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Abstract: Objective: Children with Down syndrome (DS) show a delay in cognitive and motor development and have various concomitant health problems. We compared Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in preschool children with DS with a reference group, and investigated child-related factors (i.e., developmental quotient, adaptive function, health problems, problem behaviour), and maternal level of education on HRQoL. Method: In a cohort of 55 children with DS, HRQoL was measured with the TNO-AZL preschool children Quality of Life Questionnaire (TAPQoL). Data from a reference group were used for comparison. Developmental Quotient (DQ) was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, adaptive function with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, health problems were derived from the medical file, and behavioural problems were measured with the Child Behaviour Checklist. Results: Children with DS (N=55; mean age 41.7 months) scored significantly lower on the TAPQoL domains lung and stomach problems, motor function and communication compared to the reference group. DQ had a significant negative correlation with the domains lung problems and liveliness. Children with DS with respiratory or gastro-intestinal problems showed significant lower scores on lung problems and communication. Problem behavior had a significant negative correlation with the domains sleeping, appetite and social function. A low level of maternal education correlated negatively with positive mood. Adaptive function and congenital heart defect (CHD) did not significantly correlate with HRQoL. Conclusion: Preschool children with DS show a lower HRQoL on particular domains of functioning compared to a normative sample. HRQoL of children with DS is correlated to DQ, respiratory and gastro-intestinal health problems, problem behaviour and maternal education, but not to CHD and adaptive function. Keywords: Down syndrome, Quality of life, Developmental Preschool children, Children.Download Full Article |