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.
Duke researchers identify DDX3X gene as crucial for neuron formation and brain development, with dosage-dependent defects leading to developmental disabilities. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying DDX3X syndrome and related disorders, potentially paving the way for therapies.
Researchers found that walking enhances performance on cognitive tasks in 14 participants by increasing frontal brain function, while 12 others showed no improvement. This discovery highlights the flexibility of a healthy brain and has implications for understanding aging and neurological disorders.
A new study suggests that oxidative stress overactivates a glucose metabolism enzyme in the developing hippocampus, impairing learning and memory. However, inhibiting this enzyme can reverse cognitive deficits, paving the way for treatment of neonatal brain injuries.
A new study found that white students are more likely to receive special education for higher-status disabilities than Black and Latinx students. Boys are also more likely to receive special education than girls. These disparities are attributed to biases in how teachers observe and interpret student difficulties.
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.
The new COBRE grant will help WVU recruit researchers and clinician-scientists to develop innovative solutions for preventing and treating incurable vision problems. The project aims to reduce visual disparities in West Virginia by understanding the complex combination of factors that contribute to these problems.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for managing symptoms and improving access to multidisciplinary care for children with CMT. The guidelines promote optimal, standardized care globally and are critical for clinical trial readiness.
The SynGAP Research Fund has developed a pre-screening tool to identify potential SYNGAP1 patients through a free online survey. The partnership with Probably Genetic aims to screen undiagnosed patients and provide them with genetic testing resources, ultimately advancing treatment development for SYNGAP1.
A new study found that siblings of children with disabilities exhibit greater cognitive empathy, understanding their sibling's thoughts and feelings. This increased empathy is linked to improved social skills and prosocial behavior in these individuals.
A new study found that siblings of children with disabilities score higher in self-reported cognitive empathy than typically developing peers. This may be due to the specific 'advantage' of cognitive empathy in understanding and supporting their sibling relationship.
Four IIT researchers have been awarded €150,000 each from the European Research Council to develop groundbreaking technologies addressing health challenges, such as tumours, blindness, and amputations. Their projects aim to substitute critical raw materials in electronics and create multisensory systems for visually impaired infants.
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.
The WV Clinical and Translational Science Institute is leading a national study on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) among adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and develop effective treatments for this disabling complication.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to improve spatial memory and visual memory, lower brain inflammation indices, and cause less neuronal death in individuals with traumatic brain injuries. The diet may also slow down the rate of cellular aging, offering hope for those suffering from this condition.
A study by Kennedy Krieger Institute explores how GI problems in children with autism affect their families. Researchers identified four main themes: anxiety, diet, microbiome imbalance, and medication impact. The findings highlight the need for interventions to address poor gut health and its consequences.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation associated with severe congenital epilepsy also leads to neural degeneration, inflammation and behavioral symptoms in mice. The study suggests the mutation as a potential target for treatment.
Researchers found correlations between brain morphology and sensory characteristics in adults with ASD, suggesting structural changes may cause sensory abnormalities. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for ASD beyond behavioral indicators.
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...
A new study by USC researchers uses GANs to generate synthetic neurological data that can be fed into machine-learning algorithms to improve BCI usability. This approach improved BCI training speed by up to 20 times and enabled rapid adaptation to new subjects.
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.
A new report highlights the alarming global impact of Group B streptococcus, which can lead to up to 150,000 infant deaths annually. Maternal vaccination is seen as a cost-effective solution to reduce this toll, with significant health benefits in all regions.
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.
A new smartphone-based app, iBehavior, will be tested to improve the accuracy of data in clinical trials involving individuals with intellectual disability. The app uses ecological momentary assessment to track symptoms related to executive function, often associated with ADHD.
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.
Researchers at UIC will evaluate the effectiveness of integrated behavioral health care coordination on mental health outcomes for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study aims to identify better care coordination models to reduce barriers to access to behavioral health care for this vulnerable population.
A new study found that unusual visual inspection behavior in infants aged 9 months and older is predictive of a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This behavior, characterized as an over-focus on objects, was most prominent and present earliest in infants who developed ASD.
The August nTIDE COVID Update reports a decline in unemployment for people with disabilities, attributed to increased employment and labor participation rates. However, the overall job market remains unstable, with chronically high unemployment compared to pre-pandemic levels.
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.
Researchers surveyed 4,324 people with Parkinson's and found that many are unaware of all seven compensation strategies, but most who tried them reported positive effects. The study suggests a 'one-size-fits-all' approach doesn't work, emphasizing the need for personalized education on available strategies.
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.
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...
A study of 543 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities found that COVID-19 outcomes were poorer in those receiving residential services. The risk factors associated with these outcomes include lack of access to vaccination, inadequate healthcare, and social isolation.
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.
The University of Illinois Chicago will launch a post-secondary certificate program to prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment. The two-year Co-Op program, set to begin in fall 2021, will provide full student status, career pathways, and integration with other UIC students.
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 ...
A study identified dozens of new mutations in the DDX3X gene, critical for brain development, and found that half caused loss of function while others disrupted its normal functioning. The research provides insight into how the gene functions normally and may lead to potential therapies.
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.
The £7m Penda project aims to evaluate interventions improving the well-being of people with disabilities in LMICs, addressing poverty, health, education, stigma, and discrimination. The project seeks to provide evidence-based policies and services that meet the needs of disabled people on an equal basis.
A new study reveals that obesity and inactivity significantly increase the risk of developing a walking disability after age 60. Older women are particularly vulnerable to this risk, highlighting the importance of an active lifestyle across all body weight categories.
A new review of disability research identifies key gaps, including unclear definitions of disability and over-reliance on limited existing data. Filling these gaps can support the development of more inclusive workplaces and improve work opportunities for people with disabilities.
The National Trends in Disability Employment - Monthly Update (nTIDE) reports a modest downturn in employment for working-age people with disabilities, marking the end of a 26-month job gain trend. The labor force participation rate also decreased, from 33.0% in June 2017 to 32.5% in June 2018.
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.
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.
The lab aims to create bonds of trust and emotion between humans and robots, improving quality of life for older adults. A recent study found a significant drop in depression and increase in human-robot social engagement after three weeks of interactions with a robot using Shakespearean sonnets.
The Tennessee Beginning Farmers Development Program aims to connect Tennesseans with opportunities in agriculture, providing resources and support for those starting or developing an agriculture-based enterprise. The program will also help build a network of veteran farmers across the state.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that cerebral palsy is more common and has higher mortality in Uganda compared to high-income countries. The study, which analyzed data from over 30,000 children, suggests that cerebral malaria is a major cause of brain damage in infants.
Children and older adults with developmental disabilities experience the greatest disparities in unmet healthcare needs. Medical schools are urged to incorporate specific training in developmental disabilities into their curricula to reduce these disparities.
A new study reveals substantial disparities in health status, healthcare quality, and access to care for individuals with developmental disabilities. The research found that children and older adults with developmental disabilities experience the greatest disparities in unmet healthcare needs.
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...
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.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of horseback riding interventions found significant improvements in balance, motor function, and quality of life for children and adults with neuromotor disabilities. The studies also showed benefits for patients with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
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.
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.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that being married is associated with improved survival and functional recovery after cardiac surgery. Married participants had a significantly lower risk of death or new disability compared to divorced, separated, or widowed individuals.
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.
A new study finds that children with mild levels of intellectual disability can recall and provide accurate descriptions of maltreatment experiences. Children with more severe intellectual disabilities can also provide useful information but face challenges in recalling events.
A pilot study in 51 N.C. classrooms shows the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) to be a reliable instrument assessing quality practices in inclusive preschools. The ICP reveals types of inclusive settings best serving preschoolers with disabilities, including Head Start and public pre-k programs.
The grant will establish home health services for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing primary care, mental health, and specialty services. The project aims to extend care coordination and compassionate service integration across institutions.
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.