CO:Writer® 4000 and Write:OutLoud® is software for literacy development. Children and youth (8-21... more CO:Writer® 4000 and Write:OutLoud® is software for literacy development. Children and youth (8-21) with mild mental retardation are routinely excluded from accessing these readily available tools. This study will investigate the impact of these tools, using valid measures and analysis technique
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual and developmental disa... more Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual and developmental disability, and a known genetic cause of autism. Individuals with FXS present with deficits in cognition, social skills, behavior, language and sensory processing skills; all of which are commonly assessed through standardized and norm-referenced assessments. However, these outcome measures are sometimes not sensitive to contextually based changes in daily life. Further, there is limited research employing qualitative methods in the FXS literature. The purpose of this research was to examine family perspectives collected via semi-structured interviews as part of a randomized controlled medication trial of sertraline (Zoloft) on children two to six years old diagnosed with FXS. The constant comparison method was used to analyze differences in family expressions of their child's improvements over the course of the 6-month clinical trial. Twelve interviews were analyzed, six-treatment, six-placebo, and all coding was done blind to group assignment. Results indicated greater improvements in the treatment group when compared to the placebo group in: anxiety, receptive / expressive communication, maladaptive behaviors and some sensory issues. These preliminary findings warrant a need for further research with a larger sample.
Objective: This exploratory survey study examined collaborative practices of professionals workin... more Objective: This exploratory survey study examined collaborative practices of professionals working in special education. The basis for the survey was the Conceptual Model of Collaboration (CMC), created by Hess and colleagues (2017). Methods: 27 professionals who work in special education participated. Cross tabulation tests and Pearson's correlation tests were run to determine relationships between the variables. Results: The findings indicated that the majority of participants value collaboration for student outcomes and professional development. Most participants agreed on common facilitators and barriers to collaboration. Collaboration primarily takes place in IEP meetings, through email and text messaging and is frequent in all classroom types and age ranges. Frequent collaboration has supported prioritization of sensory-motor programming for both the student and the classroom equally.
Background-Previous studies suggested that children diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) often... more Background-Previous studies suggested that children diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) often meet criteria for autism or PDD. This study describes the fine motor abilities of children diagnosed with FXS with and without autism spectrum disorder, and compares the motor scores of those groups controlling for cognitive level. Method-Forty-eight children, ages 12-76 months (SD=16) diagnosed with FXS were assessed with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Their parents were interviewed with the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). We used a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine if the fine motor scale of the Mullen would show group differences based on autism classifications for the sample. In addition, we used Pearson correlation coefficient to examine the relationship between the cognitive level, the autism severity and the motor abilities. Lastly, we conducted a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to determine the difference between the motor abilities of the ASD groups controlling for cognitive level Results-We found that 60% of the children with FXS met criteria for autism or PDD-NOS. Children with FXS with autism and PDD-NOS had lower fine motor scores than those without. However, there was no significant association between degree of motor impairment and communication and social impairments after controlling for cognitive level, indicating that cognitive level contributes to impaired motor abilities of children diagnosed with FXS and autism, more than the severity of autism symptoms. Conclusion-children with FXS and autism are at risk for impaired motor abilities. Implications for development and intervention are discussed.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2007
Gross motor development (supine, prone, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking) and movement abnorma... more Gross motor development (supine, prone, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking) and movement abnormalities were examined in the home videos of infants later diagnosed with autism (regression and no regression subgroups), developmental delays (DD), or typical development. Group differences in maturity were found for walking, prone, and supine, with the DD and
To address the specific impairment of imitation in autism, the imitation abilities of 22 children... more To address the specific impairment of imitation in autism, the imitation abilities of 22 children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) with and without autism were compared. Based on previous research, we predicted that children with FXS and autism would have significantly more difficulty with non-meaningful imitation tasks. After controlling for full-scale IQ and age, the groups did not differ in their overall imitation accuracy scores, but analysis of error patterns revealed that children with FXS and autism made more groping errors and additional movements than the comparison group. These error patterns are consistent with the hypothesis that an action production system deficit plays an important role in the overall imitation deficit in autism, at least in children with FXS.
These qualitative analyses are a component of the clinical trial: "Effects of Sertraline Treatmen... more These qualitative analyses are a component of the clinical trial: "Effects of Sertraline Treatment for Young Children with FXS: Examination of Developmental Outcomes and Family Contexts." We argue that inclusion of a sociocultural perspective within the context of a clinical trial affords consideration of: A dynamic view of development-simultaneous consideration of biological and sociocultural factors (Vygotsky, 1978). Application of a bioecological framework and consideration of ever changing nested settings and contexts over time (Bronfenbrenner, 2005
Date Presented 03/26/20 OT can support adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, yet VM i... more Date Presented 03/26/20 OT can support adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, yet VM is under-utilized and under-researched by OT. This mixed-methods research revealed (1) quantitative results: with VM intervention, client performance increased while staff assistance decreased; and (2) qualitative themes from the client-lived experience: what worked, what could be changed, and where else VM could be used. Implications for OT include broadening the use of VM for ASD intervention. Primary Author and Speaker: Brittany Yung Additional Authors and Speakers: Hannah Gibeson, Molly Smith, Kelly Yerby, Laura Hess
Date Presented 04/04/19 This qualitative research examined the experiences of families living wit... more Date Presented 04/04/19 This qualitative research examined the experiences of families living with FXS through an occupation-centered lens. We investigated family occupations via their own voice, through semistructured, recorded interviews. By analyzing occupations, including routines, behaviors, thoughts, interactions, and contexts, OTs can create individualized interventions and promote further research. Results are presented in a conceptual model: Occupations of FXS: Dynamic Interactions of Nested Contexts. Primary Author and Speaker: Laura Hess Additional Authors and Speakers: Katelyn Harden, Raechel Jacala, Amanda Lee, Holly Snyder
Date Presented 04/04/19 This qualitative research examined the experiences of families living wit... more Date Presented 04/04/19 This qualitative research examined the experiences of families living with FXS through an occupation-centered lens. We investigated family occupations via their own voice, through semistructured, recorded interviews. By analyzing occupations, including routines, behaviors, thoughts, interactions, and contexts, OTs can create individualized interventions and promote further research. Results are presented in a conceptual model: Occupations of FXS: Dynamic Interactions of Nested Contexts. Primary Author and Speaker: Laura Hess Additional Authors and Speakers: Katelyn Harden, Raechel Jacala, Amanda Lee, Holly Snyder
OBJECTIVES. This preliminary study examined sensory processing and its relationship to occupation... more OBJECTIVES. This preliminary study examined sensory processing and its relationship to occupational performance in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) to guide research and evidence-based practice. METHOD. Fifteen school-aged boys with full-mutation FXS were assessed with three occupational performance measures (School Function Assessment, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, play duration) and three sensory processing measures (Sensory Profile, Tactile Defensiveness and Discrimination Test–Revised, Sensory Approach–Avoidance Rating). Data were analyzed using partial correlation procedures. RESULTS. Several significant correlations were found, independent of effects of age and IQ. Avoidance of sensory experiences (internally controlled) was associated with lower levels of school participation, self-care, and play. Aversion to touch from externally controlled sources was associated with a trend toward greater independence in self-care—opposite of expectations. CONCLUSION. This study...
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help treat many of the phenotypic manifestations ... more Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help treat many of the phenotypic manifestations of fragile X syndrome (FXS) including anxiety, sensory processing challenges, and communication and intellectual deficits. However, the efficacy of SSRIs has not been previously studied in children with FXS under five-years-old. The purpose of this study was to elucidate group differences in behavior and developmental outcome measures for young children with FXS when treated with sertraline compared to placebo.
CO:Writer® 4000 and Write:OutLoud® is software for literacy development. Children and youth (8-21... more CO:Writer® 4000 and Write:OutLoud® is software for literacy development. Children and youth (8-21) with mild mental retardation are routinely excluded from accessing these readily available tools. This study will investigate the impact of these tools, using valid measures and analysis technique
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual and developmental disa... more Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual and developmental disability, and a known genetic cause of autism. Individuals with FXS present with deficits in cognition, social skills, behavior, language and sensory processing skills; all of which are commonly assessed through standardized and norm-referenced assessments. However, these outcome measures are sometimes not sensitive to contextually based changes in daily life. Further, there is limited research employing qualitative methods in the FXS literature. The purpose of this research was to examine family perspectives collected via semi-structured interviews as part of a randomized controlled medication trial of sertraline (Zoloft) on children two to six years old diagnosed with FXS. The constant comparison method was used to analyze differences in family expressions of their child's improvements over the course of the 6-month clinical trial. Twelve interviews were analyzed, six-treatment, six-placebo, and all coding was done blind to group assignment. Results indicated greater improvements in the treatment group when compared to the placebo group in: anxiety, receptive / expressive communication, maladaptive behaviors and some sensory issues. These preliminary findings warrant a need for further research with a larger sample.
Objective: This exploratory survey study examined collaborative practices of professionals workin... more Objective: This exploratory survey study examined collaborative practices of professionals working in special education. The basis for the survey was the Conceptual Model of Collaboration (CMC), created by Hess and colleagues (2017). Methods: 27 professionals who work in special education participated. Cross tabulation tests and Pearson's correlation tests were run to determine relationships between the variables. Results: The findings indicated that the majority of participants value collaboration for student outcomes and professional development. Most participants agreed on common facilitators and barriers to collaboration. Collaboration primarily takes place in IEP meetings, through email and text messaging and is frequent in all classroom types and age ranges. Frequent collaboration has supported prioritization of sensory-motor programming for both the student and the classroom equally.
Background-Previous studies suggested that children diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) often... more Background-Previous studies suggested that children diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) often meet criteria for autism or PDD. This study describes the fine motor abilities of children diagnosed with FXS with and without autism spectrum disorder, and compares the motor scores of those groups controlling for cognitive level. Method-Forty-eight children, ages 12-76 months (SD=16) diagnosed with FXS were assessed with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Their parents were interviewed with the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). We used a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine if the fine motor scale of the Mullen would show group differences based on autism classifications for the sample. In addition, we used Pearson correlation coefficient to examine the relationship between the cognitive level, the autism severity and the motor abilities. Lastly, we conducted a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to determine the difference between the motor abilities of the ASD groups controlling for cognitive level Results-We found that 60% of the children with FXS met criteria for autism or PDD-NOS. Children with FXS with autism and PDD-NOS had lower fine motor scores than those without. However, there was no significant association between degree of motor impairment and communication and social impairments after controlling for cognitive level, indicating that cognitive level contributes to impaired motor abilities of children diagnosed with FXS and autism, more than the severity of autism symptoms. Conclusion-children with FXS and autism are at risk for impaired motor abilities. Implications for development and intervention are discussed.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2007
Gross motor development (supine, prone, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking) and movement abnorma... more Gross motor development (supine, prone, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking) and movement abnormalities were examined in the home videos of infants later diagnosed with autism (regression and no regression subgroups), developmental delays (DD), or typical development. Group differences in maturity were found for walking, prone, and supine, with the DD and
To address the specific impairment of imitation in autism, the imitation abilities of 22 children... more To address the specific impairment of imitation in autism, the imitation abilities of 22 children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) with and without autism were compared. Based on previous research, we predicted that children with FXS and autism would have significantly more difficulty with non-meaningful imitation tasks. After controlling for full-scale IQ and age, the groups did not differ in their overall imitation accuracy scores, but analysis of error patterns revealed that children with FXS and autism made more groping errors and additional movements than the comparison group. These error patterns are consistent with the hypothesis that an action production system deficit plays an important role in the overall imitation deficit in autism, at least in children with FXS.
These qualitative analyses are a component of the clinical trial: "Effects of Sertraline Treatmen... more These qualitative analyses are a component of the clinical trial: "Effects of Sertraline Treatment for Young Children with FXS: Examination of Developmental Outcomes and Family Contexts." We argue that inclusion of a sociocultural perspective within the context of a clinical trial affords consideration of: A dynamic view of development-simultaneous consideration of biological and sociocultural factors (Vygotsky, 1978). Application of a bioecological framework and consideration of ever changing nested settings and contexts over time (Bronfenbrenner, 2005
Date Presented 03/26/20 OT can support adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, yet VM i... more Date Presented 03/26/20 OT can support adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, yet VM is under-utilized and under-researched by OT. This mixed-methods research revealed (1) quantitative results: with VM intervention, client performance increased while staff assistance decreased; and (2) qualitative themes from the client-lived experience: what worked, what could be changed, and where else VM could be used. Implications for OT include broadening the use of VM for ASD intervention. Primary Author and Speaker: Brittany Yung Additional Authors and Speakers: Hannah Gibeson, Molly Smith, Kelly Yerby, Laura Hess
Date Presented 04/04/19 This qualitative research examined the experiences of families living wit... more Date Presented 04/04/19 This qualitative research examined the experiences of families living with FXS through an occupation-centered lens. We investigated family occupations via their own voice, through semistructured, recorded interviews. By analyzing occupations, including routines, behaviors, thoughts, interactions, and contexts, OTs can create individualized interventions and promote further research. Results are presented in a conceptual model: Occupations of FXS: Dynamic Interactions of Nested Contexts. Primary Author and Speaker: Laura Hess Additional Authors and Speakers: Katelyn Harden, Raechel Jacala, Amanda Lee, Holly Snyder
Date Presented 04/04/19 This qualitative research examined the experiences of families living wit... more Date Presented 04/04/19 This qualitative research examined the experiences of families living with FXS through an occupation-centered lens. We investigated family occupations via their own voice, through semistructured, recorded interviews. By analyzing occupations, including routines, behaviors, thoughts, interactions, and contexts, OTs can create individualized interventions and promote further research. Results are presented in a conceptual model: Occupations of FXS: Dynamic Interactions of Nested Contexts. Primary Author and Speaker: Laura Hess Additional Authors and Speakers: Katelyn Harden, Raechel Jacala, Amanda Lee, Holly Snyder
OBJECTIVES. This preliminary study examined sensory processing and its relationship to occupation... more OBJECTIVES. This preliminary study examined sensory processing and its relationship to occupational performance in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) to guide research and evidence-based practice. METHOD. Fifteen school-aged boys with full-mutation FXS were assessed with three occupational performance measures (School Function Assessment, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, play duration) and three sensory processing measures (Sensory Profile, Tactile Defensiveness and Discrimination Test–Revised, Sensory Approach–Avoidance Rating). Data were analyzed using partial correlation procedures. RESULTS. Several significant correlations were found, independent of effects of age and IQ. Avoidance of sensory experiences (internally controlled) was associated with lower levels of school participation, self-care, and play. Aversion to touch from externally controlled sources was associated with a trend toward greater independence in self-care—opposite of expectations. CONCLUSION. This study...
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help treat many of the phenotypic manifestations ... more Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help treat many of the phenotypic manifestations of fragile X syndrome (FXS) including anxiety, sensory processing challenges, and communication and intellectual deficits. However, the efficacy of SSRIs has not been previously studied in children with FXS under five-years-old. The purpose of this study was to elucidate group differences in behavior and developmental outcome measures for young children with FXS when treated with sertraline compared to placebo.
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