Children

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13 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Children’s and Parents’ Perceptions of Parenting Styles on Attention, Hyperactivity, Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation

by Marisol Cueli, Natalia Martín, Laura M. Cañamero, Celestino Rodríguez and Paloma González-Castro

Children 2024, 11(3), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11030313 - 06 Mar 2024

Viewed by 2029

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology can be studied by examining the associated neurobiological factors or by looking at the environmental factors involved, such as parenting styles. Negative parenting styles have been associated with ADHD symptoms in childhood and adolescence. The present study aimed to [...] Read more.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology can be studied by examining the associated neurobiological factors or by looking at the environmental factors involved, such as parenting styles. Negative parenting styles have been associated with ADHD symptoms in childhood and adolescence. The present study aimed to analyze the predictive power of two parenting style dimensions (warmth–communication and criticism–rejection) and three factors about rule-setting and compliance (inductive, strict, and indulgent styles) in the explanation of ADHD symptoms (attention and hyperactivity) and associated emotional factors (anxiety and emotional regulation) considering parents’ and children’s perspectives. The results indicate that from the parents’ perspective, the criticism–rejection variable was the most important in explaining attention difficulties, anxiety and emotional regulation. From the children’s perspective, the strict parenting style was the most important variable in explaining hyperactivity and emotional regulation. In addition, for children, warmth–communication was significant in predicting fewer emotional regulation difficulties. Our results highlight the importance of considering family dynamics when assessing ADHD in order to implement comprehensive interventions that consider parental training in positive parenting styles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Assessment and Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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18 pages, 1565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Aquatic Exercise and Floor Curling on Balance Ability and Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study in China

by Peiting Zhao, Gaohui Zhu, Sha Chen, Yu Pan, Kai Chen, Li Huang and Liya Guo

Children 2024, 11(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11010085 - 11 Jan 2024

Viewed by 909

Abstract

Children with intellectual disabilities often face challenges in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength, which negatively impact their daily lives and motor function. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. [...] Read more.

Children with intellectual disabilities often face challenges in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength, which negatively impact their daily lives and motor function. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week aquatic exercise and floor curling intervention on the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to the aquatic exercise group, floor curling group, and control group. The aquatic exercise and floor curling groups received a 12-week intervention, while the control group engaged in supervised free activities. The participants’ balance ability and lower limb muscle strength were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and a muscle strength testing device before and after the intervention. The results showed significant improvements in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength for both the aquatic exercise group and the floor curling group after the intervention. The aquatic exercise group demonstrated an average improvement of 10.84% in balance ability and an overall average improvement of 16.28% in lower limb muscle strength. The floor curling group showed an average improvement of 9.04% in balance ability and an overall average improvement of 15.67% in lower limb muscle strength. These improvement results were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and ranged from medium to large effect sizes (d = 0.5~0.8). The findings of this study validate the positive effects of aquatic exercise and floor curling on the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. These interventions can be considered effective approaches for functional rehabilitation in children with intellectual disabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Assessment and Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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17 pages, 332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BENDI: Improving Cognitive Assessments in Toddlers and Children with Down Syndrome Using Stealth Assessment

by Marcela Tenorio, Paulina S. Arango and Andrés Aparicio

Children 2023, 10(12), 1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10121923 - 13 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1095

Abstract

Cognitive assessment is a fundamental step in diagnosing intellectual and developmental disabilities, designing interventions, and evaluating their impact. However, developed and developing countries have different access to tools designed for these purposes. Our goal was to develop a battery for cognitive assessment mediated [...] Read more.

Cognitive assessment is a fundamental step in diagnosing intellectual and developmental disabilities, designing interventions, and evaluating their impact. However, developed and developing countries have different access to tools designed for these purposes. Our goal was to develop a battery for cognitive assessment mediated by digital technology that allows the exploration of cognitive domains (inhibitory control, attention, motor ability, and context memory) in children with Down Syndrome (DS) in Chile. Four tasks, based on established experimental paradigms modified to provide a game-like experience, were tested in 68 children with DS from 20 months to 12 years of age. We present evidence of reliability based on internal consistency and split-half analyses, with results ranging from adequate to excellent. Regarding validity, factorial and correlational analyses show evidence consistent with what was theoretically expected of internal structure, convergence, and divergence with other measures. Expected age trajectories were observed as well. Our data offer evidence that supports the use of tasks based on touch-screen devices for cognitive assessment in the population with DS. The tasks also have a low cultural load, so they could be validated and used in other contexts without the need for an adaptation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Assessment and Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

14 pages, 1015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety and Feasibility of Functional Repetitive Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation of the Gluteal Muscles in Children and Adolescents with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

by Leonie Grosse, Julian F. Schnabel, Corinna Börner-Schröder, Malina A. Späh, Anne C. Meuche, Nico Sollmann, Ute Breuer, Birgit Warken, Matthias Hösl, Florian Heinen, Steffen Berweck, Sebastian A. Schröder and Michaela V. Bonfert

Children 2023, 10(11), 1768; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111768 - 31 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1075

Abstract

Background: For children and adolescents affected by bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP), non-invasive neurostimulation with repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) combined with physical exercises, conceptualized as functional rNMS (frNMS), represents a novel treatment approach. Methods: In this open-label study, six children [...] Read more.

Background: For children and adolescents affected by bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP), non-invasive neurostimulation with repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) combined with physical exercises, conceptualized as functional rNMS (frNMS), represents a novel treatment approach. Methods: In this open-label study, six children and two adolescents (10.4 ± 2.5 years) with BSCP received a frNMS intervention targeting the gluteal muscles (12 sessions within 3 weeks). Results: In 77.1% of the sessions, no side effects were reported. In 16.7%, 6.3% and 5.2% of the sessions, a tingling sensation, feelings of pressure/warmth/cold or very shortly lasting pain appeared, respectively. frNMS was highly accepted by families (100% adherence) and highly feasible (97.9% of treatment per training protocol). A total of 100% of participants would repeat frNMS, and 87.5% would recommend it. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure demonstrated clinically important benefits for performance in 28% and satisfaction in 42% of mobility-related tasks evaluated by caregivers for at least one follow-up time point (6 days and 6 weeks post intervention). Two patients accomplished goal attainment for one mobility-related goal each. One patient experienced improvement for both predefined goals, and another participant experienced improvement in one and outreach of the other goal as assessed with the goal attainment scale. Conclusions: frNMS is a safe and well-accepted neuromodulatory approach that could improve the quality of life, especially in regard to activity and participation, of children and adolescents with BSCP. Larger-scaled studies are needed to further explore the effects of frNMS in this setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Assessment and Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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21 pages, 1950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Repetitive Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation (frNMS) Targeting the Tibialis Anterior Muscle in Children with Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome: A Feasibility Study

by Leonie Grosse, Anne C. Meuche, Barbara Parzefall, Corinna Börner, Julian F. Schnabel, Malina A. Späh, Pia Klug, Nico Sollmann, Luisa Klich, Matthias Hösl, Florian Heinen, Steffen Berweck, Sebastian A. Schröder and Michaela V. Bonfert

Children 2023, 10(10), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10101584 - 22 Sep 2023

Viewed by 812

Abstract

Non-invasive neurostimulation as an adjunctive intervention to task-specific motor training is an approach to foster motor performance in patients affected by upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). Here, we present first-line data of repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) in combination with personalized task-specific physical [...] Read more.

Non-invasive neurostimulation as an adjunctive intervention to task-specific motor training is an approach to foster motor performance in patients affected by upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). Here, we present first-line data of repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) in combination with personalized task-specific physical exercises targeting the tibialis anterior muscle to improve ankle dorsiflexion (functional rNMS (frNMS)). The main objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility in terms of adherence to frNMS, safety and practicability of frNMS, and satisfaction with frNMS. First, during 10 training sessions, only physical exercises were performed (study period (SP) A). After a 1 week break, frNMS was delivered during 10 sessions (SPC). Twelve children affected by UMNS (mean age 8.9 ± 1.6 years) adhered to 93% (SPA) and 94% (SPC) of the sessions, and omittance was not related to the intervention itself in any case. frNMS was safe (no AEs reported in 88% of sessions, no AE-related discontinuation). The practicability of and satisfaction with frNMS were high. Patient/caregiver-reported outcomes revealed meaningful benefits on the individual level. The strength of the ankle dorsiflexors (MRC score) clinically meaningfully increased in four participants as spasticity of ankle plantar flexors (Tardieu scores) decreased in four participants after SPC. frNMS was experienced as a feasible intervention for children affected by UMNS. Together with the beneficial effects achieved on the individual level in some participants, this first study supports further real-world, large-scale, sham-controlled investigations to investigate the specific effects and distinct mechanisms of action of frNMS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Assessment and Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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Review

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30 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessReview

Theoretical–Methodological Foundations for the Global Integration Method (Método de Integração Global—MIG) in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Renato Guimarães Loffi, Thalita Karla Flores Cruz, Giulia Moreira Paiva, Deisiane Oliveira Souto, Simone Rosa Barreto, Patrícia Aparecida Neves Santana, Amanda Aparecida Alves Cunha Nascimento, Fabiana Rachel Martins Costa, Elisa Braz Cota and Vitor Geraldi Haase

Children 2024, 11(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020191 - 02 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1563

Abstract

Currently, there is no intervention model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that addresses all levels and factors of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, WHO). The most researched programs focus on naturalistic, developmental and behavioral approaches to socio-communication. Less attention [...] Read more.

Currently, there is no intervention model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that addresses all levels and factors of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, WHO). The most researched programs focus on naturalistic, developmental and behavioral approaches to socio-communication. Less attention has been paid to motor and environmental reactivity aspects (behavior/interest restriction and sensory reactivity). The evidence rationale for the Global Integration Method (MIG, “Método de Integração Global”), a model addressing sensorimotor reactivity in addition to socio-communication, is presented. MIG is an integrative, interdisciplinary, family-oriented intervention and naturalistic program that addresses all levels and moderating factors of ASD’s impact. MIG’s theoretical rationale is based on the predictive coding impairment and embodied cognition hypotheses. MIG incorporates both bottom-up (flexible therapeutic suit, social-motor synchronization) and top-down (schematic social information processing, narratives, imagery) strategies to promote the building and use of accurate, flexible and context-sensitive internal predictive models. MIG is based on the premises that predictive coding improves both socio-communication and environmental reactivity, and that the postural stabilization provided by the flexible therapeutic suit frees information processing resources for socio-cognitive learning. MIG builds on interdisciplinary, professionally and parentally mediated work based on behavioral principles of intensive training in a situated environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Assessment and Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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19 pages, 457 KiB

Open AccessReview

Language Skills in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Developmental Language Disorder: A Systematic Review

by Inmaculada Méndez-Freije, Débora Areces and Celestino Rodríguez

Children 2024, 11(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11010014 - 21 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2220

Abstract

(1) Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that affect various areas of children’s development, such as language. It exists an emerging idea that ADHD is characterised by the presence of language difficulties, which can be [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that affect various areas of children’s development, such as language. It exists an emerging idea that ADHD is characterised by the presence of language difficulties, which can be explained by the high comorbidity between ADHD and DLD. The aim of this review is to analyse the empirical evidence of language competence in children aged 6–17 years old, diagnosed with ADHD and/or DLD. (2) Method: Fifteen studies with experimental designs were identified from Scopus, PsycINFO, and WoS databases, reporting on language skills in children diagnosed with ADHD and/or DLD. Studies relating executive functioning to language skills in this target population were also included. (3) Results: The literature is heterogeneous and different components of language are also examined. Even though the results are contradictory, they convincingly demonstrate there are overlapping symptoms between ADHD and DLD, such as language skills and executive functions. (4) Conclusions: The differences in the samples limit the generalisability of the results. Therefore, this review highlights the importance of considering language skills when designing individualised interventions for the population with ADHD and DLD, both in comorbidity and in isolation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Assessment and Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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28 pages, 1128 KiB

Open AccessReview

Feasibility of Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) as a Framework for Aquatic Activities: A Scoping Review

by Merav Hadar-Frumer, Huib Ten-Napel, Maria José Yuste-Sánchez and Isabel Rodríguez-Costa

Children 2023, 10(12), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10121856 - 26 Nov 2023

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Abstract

(1) Background: In recent years, reviewing studies of aquatic activities for children with developmental delays has been a complex task due to the multitude of indices and professional languages. (2) Aim: To determine if the ICF-CY framework can be used as the unifying [...] Read more.

(1) Background: In recent years, reviewing studies of aquatic activities for children with developmental delays has been a complex task due to the multitude of indices and professional languages. (2) Aim: To determine if the ICF-CY framework can be used as the unifying language in AA studies of children with DD. (3) Methods: Part One—A systematic review of selected studies focusing on goals that were found to be positive. These goals were linked to the ICF-CY categories. Part Two—Review of all studies using the ICF-CY’s functioning components. (4) Results: Most of the positive goals were properly linked to ICF-CY and made it possible to review the 71 articles in a uniform language. (5) Conclusions: It is feasible to use the ICF framework as a universal structure and language. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Assessment and Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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