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Students without disabilities achieve the same academic results with or without classmates with disabilities in Poland, with implications for the future development of inclusive education

A Polish study found that students without disabilities achieve the same academic results when attending classes with students who have disabilities, with implications for inclusive education. The research suggests that the type of inclusion does not affect academic achievement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2022

Children without diapers sleep poorly

A recent Rutgers University study has found that children in families struggling to provide diapers are more likely to have disrupted and shorter sleep periods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between diaper need and an increased risk of childhood obesity, emotional problems, and maternal mental health symptoms.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateMay 3, 2022

Adults with disabilities in hospital for COVID-19 have worse outcomes

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that adults with disabilities have poorer COVID-19 outcomes, with longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. The study highlights the need for accommodations and support for patients with disabilities during the pandemic.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2022

PCORI Board approves $49.5 million to fund new research studies addressing pain relief, smoking cessation, mental health and other conditions

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board approved funding for nine new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies addressing various health conditions. These studies focus on telehealth and mobile health strategies, reducing disparities in maternal health, and improving care for people with intellectual a...

Promising treatment for Alexander disease moves from rat model to human clinical trials

A new study provides preliminary data for a human clinical trial of a treatment that targets the root cause of Alexander disease. The treatment has shown promising results in halting the progression of the disease and even reversing some symptoms in rat models, which better represent the human condition.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

The GIST scientists confirm horse riding as a viable mobility treatment for cerebral palsy

A study by GIST scientists found that physical interaction between children with cerebral palsy and horses improves motor skills and balance. The research team recorded horse and child movements, tracking acceleration and angular velocity to quantify interactions, which were linked to improved outcomes.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

Autistic children struggle with hidden emotions

Research published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic children with difficulties integrating narrative context with facial expressions, leading to inaccurate emotion recognition. This highlights the importance of contextual cues in social exchanges for effectively managing interactions.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Three state and federal grants fund campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A campaign is being launched to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in New York State. The Einstein-Montefiore team has received grants from the state and federal governments to create tailored messages and content to counter vaccine misinformation and promote vaccination.

Study shows differences in rapidly processing sensory feedback among people with autism spectrum disorder

A study of over 200 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found key differences in their fine motor control and eye movements compared to neurotypical peers. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple systems, including feedback and feed-forward systems, in understanding sensorimotor deficits in ASD.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2021

PCORI approves $254 million to fund 28 new research studies addressing urgent health problems

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...

Obrusnikova honored

Associate Professor Iva Obrusnikova at the University of Delaware has been selected as an IFAPA Fellow for her outstanding work in adapted physical activity. She is a leading researcher on technology-based behavioral strategies and their impact on functional performance and health outcomes in adults with developmental disabilities.

Parents' physical activity helps kids with developmental disabilities improve motor skills

A recent study from Oregon State University found that parents who model and support physical activity in daily life can help children with developmental disabilities improve their motor skills. Parents can make a difference by spending quality time with their child, engaging in activities together and providing opportunities for them ...

SourceOregon State University·JournalDisability and Health Journal·DateMar 25, 2020

Siblings of children with intellectual disabilities score high on empathy and closeness

A new study finds that relationships between children and their siblings with intellectual disabilities are more positive than those between typically developing siblings. Children with siblings with intellectual disabilities scored higher on empathy, teaching, and closeness, while scoring lower on conflict and rivalry.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateJan 14, 2020

Spinal fluid could be used to predict the progression of multiple sclerosis, study finds

A six-year study by the University of Birmingham has found that analyzing spinal fluid from patients with MS at diagnosis can predict future disease progression. The research identified a distinct immune response, characterized by an unusual antibody ratio, which may indicate early trigger and risk of disability.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateMay 9, 2018

Study: Many parents of children with disabilities don't make care plans

A recent study suggests that fewer than half of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities have made long-term care plans. This leaves family members facing a crisis when the parent or primary caregiver is no longer able to provide care, potentially leading to institutionalization.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateFeb 9, 2018

Self-identifying as disabled and developing pride in disability aid overall well-being

A study from Oregon State University found that people who experience stigma are more likely to self-identify as disabled and develop pride in their disability. The researchers also discovered that severe impairments lead to greater stigma, which can increase the likelihood of self-identification. Developing disability pride is associa...

SourceOregon State University·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·DateAug 28, 2017

Hand osteoarthritis is a common condition

A new study estimates that nearly half of the population will develop hand osteoarthritis, affecting hand strength and function. Individuals with obesity are at a significantly increased risk, highlighting the need for public health and clinical interventions to address this common condition.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMay 4, 2017

Adults with disabilities on Medicaid wait list most likely to have unmet service needs

A new study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Illinois' Medicaid wait list are more likely to have unmet service needs, including preventive health care, dental services, and physical therapy. The survey of 230 caregivers identified disparities based on race, income, and health status.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·DateOct 6, 2016

New toolkit can improve primary healthcare for people with developmental disabilities

A new evidence-based toolkit will help family health teams in Ontario provide more proactive care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The toolkit includes a four-step process to implement health checks, resources for clinicians and patients, and examples of how to embed the tools into Electronic Medical Records.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateApr 1, 2016

The power of best friends

A study by University of Vermont professor Lori Erbrederis Meyer found that inclusive classrooms without disability awareness curricula do not increase friendships for students with disabilities. However, having a best friend helps children with high rates of problem behaviors and low social skills gain peer acceptance.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalTopics in Early Childhood Special Education·DateApr 24, 2015

To improve oral health of adults with developmental disabilities, support caregivers

A large-scale survey found that caregivers providing at-home oral care to adults with developmental disabilities face significant challenges, including behavioral problems and lack of training. The study emphasizes the need for policy initiatives to provide additional support for caregivers to promote good oral health outcomes.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateOct 1, 2014