Children's Rehabilitation Center Research Articles

Analysis and Evaluation of Treatment and Rehabilitation Measures for Children with Cerebral Palsy

The study is devoted to the analysis of disability in children with cerebral palsy in the Kyrgyz Republic. Social impairment is typical for children with cerebral palsy, caused in most cases by multiple types of disability - restrictions on physical independence and mobility; ability to obtain an education, and master the basics of professional activity in the future, readiness for integration into society. In addition, there are problems about the impact of medical, demographic, socio-economic factors, as well as health care resources on morbidity statistics and the incidence of cerebral palsy. The article analyzes the activities of the rehabilitation center for children with musculoskeletal disabilities in the city of Osh for 2021-2023. In order to assess the quality of medical rehabilitation, an analysis and assessment of the medical history of the Center for Medical Rehabilitation from 2021-2023 was also carried out. The interviewing was carried out using a questionnaire specially developed by us, including 12 questions. When analyzing the medical history of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy who underwent medical rehabilitation at the center, it was revealed that the main causes of this condition are: birth injuries, intrauterine infection, premature birth, low birth weight, neuroinfection and severe meningococcal infection before the age of years, anemia, congenital malformations and various somatic diseases. The data obtained confirm the need to create a unified database of children with cerebral palsy (CP). This will improve the organization of medical and social rehabilitation of children suffering from cerebral palsy. The joint database will help collect information on the reasons, characteristics and effectiveness of various rehabilitation methods, which in turn will contribute to more effective management and care of this vulnerable group of children.

The National Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Center for Children - A New Model for Children Mental Health Care in Albania

The National Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Center for Children - A New Model for Children Mental Health Care in Albania

A Conundrum to Decode the Proficiency of Urban Schoolteachers in Screening Learning Disabilities.

It is estimated that nearly 5%-10% of Indian schoolchildren have hidden problems, with about 80%-85% of them having dyslexia. Failing to diagnose and address learning disabilities on time can lead to adverse outcomes, such as school dropouts and mental health issues. In this context, the study was designed to assess educators' knowledge regarding LD, its detection, and provisions for its management. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 randomly selected English, Hindi, Marathi, and Urdu medium schools under Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation from June 2018 to December 2019. The study participants were primary, upper primary, and high schoolteachers whose knowledge and practices regarding LD were assessed using a validated questionnaire. From the ten selected schools, 150 teachers were interviewed. The knowledge regarding LD was poor, with only 26.67% of the teachers expressing the inability of the child to learn in only one particular tenet of their studies as a learning disability, which was incorrect. Nearly 24.67% of the teachers expressed the correct opinion that children who had problems with two or more learning domains were found to have LD. Most of them were unaware of the provisions for children with LD. The most common factors influencing learning disability among children were the environment at home (approximately 40%), followed by health and frequent illness of a child (28.67%). LD criteria, screening, provision, and referral should have been better understood by schoolteachers. Most of their expertise came from teacher training programs. Teachers closely study their pupils and can spot even modest changes in academic performance or behavior, making them the first screening medium for learning disabilities. Therefore, teachers must be trained to recognize LD and informed about available services such as urban rehabilitation centers for children with LD.

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DENGAN PERILAKU PERSONAL HYGIENE PADA ANAK DI PANTI REHABILITASI YANG BERHADAPAN DENGAN HUKUM

Personal hygiene behavior is behavior that is carried out by someone to maintain personal hygiene to avoid diseases, especially skin diseases. This behavior cannot be separated from the knowledge that an individual has to help carry it out. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and personal hygienic behavior in children at the Rehabilitation Center for Children in Conflict with the Law. A cross-sectional approach was used for this study, with a total of 60 participants. The results showed that respondents had good knowledge of personal hygiene, namely 29 people (48.3%), and good personal hygiene behavior, namely 29 people (48.3%). The Chi-square bivariate analysis showed a p-value of 0.360, more than the value of 0.05, which means that Ha is denied, so it can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between knowledge and personal hygiene behavior in children in rehabilitation institutions. The orphanages need to carry out strict monitoring and also support the fostered children regarding the importance of maintaining and caring for personal hygiene to avoid skin diseases so that it can generate motivation and enthusiasm for them to continue to routinely maintain personal hygiene.

Role of Dynamic Ultrasound Scan in Detection of Hip Instability and Changing Management Plan

Objectives: To show the vital role of dynamic ultrasound in hip instability screening and review the management plans available for DDH associated with instability with a view to reduce the incidence of complication from delayed diagnosis in our region. Place and Duration of the study: Helena governmental rehabilitation center for children with special needs, Erbil-Iraq, between Nov’21 to Jan’23. Material and Method: This study included 942 infants’ hips presenting with high-risk indicators or a positive clinical examination ranging in age from 6 weeks to 6 months. We performed the ultrasonography using the static Graf technique to determine the DDH Types and then apply the dynamic scan to find stability using Moren-Terjesen’s and Harcke methods. The management approaches were conducted considering both techniques. We used SPSS version 28 along with Chi-square test for data analysis and comparison of proportions. Results: In this retrospective cross-sectional study of 942 hips, the mean age of the infants was 11.9±4.8 weeks with male to female percentage of 46% to 54%. We found a correlation between family history and breech presentation to the dynamic scan stability. In the Graf technique 55% showed the absence of dysplasia while the dynamic scan showed 66% of the hips as normal and 34% as unstable. Further, the significant statistical association (P= 0.001) between the results of dynamic scan stability to the effect on the management plan was also found to advise the change for the unstable hips. Conclusion: It is crucial to apply both static and dynamic scans in the screening of DDH, so that we can reduce the possibility of late detection and elevate the level of diagnostic accuracy. We should follow a strict guideline for the management of all DDH cases (stable and unstable) and change the plan accordingly.

The architectural spaces of a children's rehabilitation center based on adaptive technologies

The architectural spaces of children's rehabilitation centers that use adaptive technologies are reviewed. The spatial characteristics of modern hospital premises in which innovative adaptive devices are used for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities are identified. Several rehabilitation centers employing adaptive technologies were reviewed to determine the main types of devices used in the treatment and their impact on the space in which they are located. Based on this review, zoning specifics and scenarios of movement in the premises with adaptive technologies have been identified, and the functional and planning features of the architectural space in rehabilitation premises are formulated.

Factors predicting depressive symptoms in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in eastern China

BackgroundParents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a higher risk of depression than parents of typically developing children and those of children with other developmental disorders. Depression affects the well-being and quality of life of parents of children with ASD and has serious consequences for the long-term health outcomes of children with ASD. Therefore, this study explored the current status of depressive symptoms in parents of children with ASD in eastern China and further analyzed multiple aspects of the predictors of depressive symptoms.MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children with ASD in the rehabilitation department of a large specialized hospital and 10 rehabilitation centers for children with special needs in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, Eastern China. A structured questionnaire that focused on child-related factors, parent-related factors, depressive symptoms, courtesy stigma, and social support was used to obtain data. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of depressive symptoms in parents of children with ASD.ResultsA total of 409 parents of children with ASD were recruited, of whom 18.8% had depressive symptoms. Parents of children with ASD who raised a child who spoke few to no words (odds ratio [OR]: 2.747, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.026–7.357), claimed a high economic burden (OR: 3.215, 95% CI: 1.234–8.379), reported no change or increased severity of ASD in their children (OR: 2.518, 95% CI: 1.108–5.720), and those with a higher courtesy stigma score (OR: 1.189, 95% CI: 1.093–1.294) were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Conversely, parents of children with ASD who were employed (OR: 0.427, 95% CI: 0.201–0.907), satisfied with their current marital status (OR: 0.429, 95% CI: 0.221–0.834), and those with a higher social support score (OR: 0.973, 95% CI: 0.950–0.996) were less likely to have depressive symptoms.ConclusionsDepressive symptoms are common in parents of children with ASD in eastern China. Therefore, screening and intervention for depressive symptoms in parents of children with ASD is necessary, especially for those with high-risk factors.

Exploring the Caregiving Experiences and Challenges of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China

The aim of this research was to explore the caregiving experiences and challenges of mothers of children with ASD in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China. To achieve this aim, the research employed a qualitative design and used semi-structured interviews to facilitate the collection of rich, qualitative data regarding the experiences and challenges of mothers of children with ASD. The study population comprised mothers of children with ASD in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China, and purposive sampling was used to select a suitable sample of 10 mothers that was used in the study. The participants were recruited from a rehabilitation center for children with ASD in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, while thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected from the sample of mothers of children with ASD. Overall, the results reveal that the main social challenges experienced by mothers of autistic children in the region include stigma, inadequate social support, as well as fatigue, stress & anxiety. In addition to revealing the challenges facing mothers of children with ASD, the results also revealed the main coping strategies that can be used by mothers of autistic children in addressing the major caregiving challenges and improving their health and well-being. Thus, this research has valuable implications for both theory and practice.

Improving Children's Rehabilitation Service Quality and Experience Through Innovative Programming: A Developmental Evaluation of the Bright Ideas Program.

Evidence-informed practice (EIP) is a widely accepted approach to providing rehabilitation services, however there are barriers to implementation. Bright Ideas is an innovative program developed by KidsAbility's Rocket Discovery Centre, aiming enhance uptake of EIP through incubating ideas identified by KidsAbility staff linked to organizational priorities of enhancing service access and outcomes. To evaluate Bright Ideas by identifying perceived successes and challenges associated with the program with the aim of supporting clinical innovation and the adoption of evidence-informed practices in children's rehabilitation centres. A developmental evaluation approach was utilized to complete a real-time evaluation of Bright Ideas. Bright Ideas program materials were reviewed to describe the program. A focus group and interview were conducted with staff who led Bright Ideas projects (n = 7) to gain insight into their experiences. Additionally, interviews were conducted with the program coordinators (n = 2) to understand the evolution of the program. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Successes that drive the Bright Ideas program and roadblocks it has encountered were identified across three dimensions: the personal level (involving Bright Ideas project leads), the programmatic level (focusing on the Bright Ideas program), and the organizational level (pertaining to KidsAbility as a whole). Key roadblocks included a lack of knowledge about the program organizationally, restricted time resources, competing organizational priorities, and an absence of infrastructure to scale ideas from Bright Ideas into the organization. Bright Ideas is an innovative program aiming to make impactful change by enabling staff to lead implementation-driven projects. Our findings highlight many successes of the program and use the Theoretical Domains Framework and Behaviour Change Wheel to make recommendations to support its sustained implementation at KidsAbility.

EXPERIENCE OF MEDICAL REHABILITATION OF CHILDREN WITH PERINATAL LESIONS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AT THE STAGE OF CATAMNETIC OBSERVATION IN POLTAVA REGION

Introduction. According to World Health Organization statistics, perinatal lesion of the central nervous system is one of the main causes of childhood disability. The development and scientific substantiation of new non-medicinal technologies for the medical rehabilitation of children with perinatal lesions of the central nervous system is one of the priority tasks. Timely identification of developmental delays and early intervention are particularly crucial for premature infants, ultimately enhancing their future health outcomes.
 The purpose of this work is to determine the structure of morbidity and disability of children with perinatal lesion of the central nervous system at the stage of catamnetic observation and to assess the effectiveness of the early intervention program. Results and Discussion. The study included 4.118 children, 1.711 of them were children with a birth weight of more than 2.500 g, 1.812 with a low birth weight (1.500-2.499 g), 452 children with a very low birth weight (1.000-1.499 g), and 134 children with extremely low birth weight (<1000) registered in the catamnetic observation office of the Center of Specialized Pediatric Care at M.V. Sklifosovsky Poltava Regional Clinical Hospital according to the statistical and reporting documentation over the period for 2012 – 2022. During the last year, 282 children of the first year of life and 131 children from one to three years old, who had delayed motor and psycho-speech development, were referred to the rehabilitation center "Dolon’ka Dobra" for inclusion in the early intervention program. Conclusion. Timely identification of children with developmental disorders, the creation of personalized early intervention programs, their implementation, and the ongoing assessment of effectiveness continue to serve as the fundamental principles guiding the catamnestic office and the Children's Rehabilitation Center.

Courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in eastern China.

The experience and perception of stigma is a common problem among primary caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and has a profound adverse impact on primary caregivers and children with ASD; however, few studies have explored courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with ASD in the Chinese context. The aim of this study was to explore the status of courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with ASD in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, Eastern China, and to conduct in-depth analysis of its predictors from multiple perspectives. An institution-based multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted in the rehabilitation department of a large specialized hospital and 10 rehabilitation centers for children with special needs in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, Eastern China, from October 2022 to February 2023. A structured questionnaire to assess child-related factors, primary caregiver-related factors, courtesy stigma, general self-efficacy, and social support, was used to collect data. Predictors of courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with ASD were identified by linear regression. A total of 428 primary caregivers of children with ASD were recruited. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score for courtesy stigma was 7.49 ± 4.13. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that primary caregivers of children with ASD who were not too satisfied with their current marital status (β = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.34-2.08, p < 0.05) were more likely to have a high courtesy stigma; however, significantly lower courtesy stigma was observed in primary caregivers of children with ASD who were not picky eaters (β = -1.33, 95% CI: -2.08 - -0.58, p < 0.05), and who reported low level challenge in caring for children with ASD (β = -1.16, 95% CI: -2.20 - -0.12, p < 0.05), good general self-efficacy (β = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.25 - -0.06, p < 0.05), and good social support (β = -0.04, 95% CI: -0.08 - -0.01, p < 0.05). There is a high level of courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with ASD in eastern China, and it is affected by numerous factors. More resources should be directed to groups that are more likely to experience stigma.

Quality of Life Among Family Caregivers of Disabled Children in Saudi Arabia.

The physical and mental health of parents can be adversely affected by their child's disability, leading to a potential decline in their overall Quality of Life (QoL). This research aimed to determine the QoL of family caregivers and compare this based on sociodemographic factors and child characteristics. An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from multiple rehabilitation centers for children with special needs and learning disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study sample comprised 95 family caregivers who completed a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic characteristics, child characteristics, and caregivers' QoL assessed using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The collected data were analyzed using the IBM Corp. Released 2022. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp, employing descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analysis. Our findings revealed that the overall mean QoL score among caregivers was 57, ranging from 12 to 94. There were no statistically significant differences in QoL scores based on caregivers' age, gender, occupational status, or income. However, further analysis indicated significant associations between certain factors and specific domains of QoL. Specifically, caregiver education was found to be associated with role limitations due to emotional problems, while relationships with disabled children were linked to emotional well-being. The severity of the child's disability and the presence of another child with a disability in the family were associated with the bodily pain domain. Additionally, the presence of another child with a disability had an impact on perceived change in the health domain. The QoL of family caregivers varied, highlighting the significant challenges faced by certain individuals. Factors such as education level, the relationship with the child, the severity of the disability, and the presence of multiple disabled children in the family were identified as influencing caregivers' QoL. These findings emphasize the importance of developing targeted interventions that can address emotional well-being and fatigue management while promoting a supportive society.

PERAN PEKERJA SOSIAL TERHADAP ANAK BERHADAPAN DENGAN HUKUM DI BALAI REHABILITASI SOSIAL ANAK MEMERLUKAN PERLINDUNGAN KHUSUS (BRSAMPK)

The purpose of this study was to obtain an overview of the duties or functions of social workers as advocates, counselors and educators in the social rehabilitation of children dealing with the law at BRSAMPK Toddopuli Makassar. The type of research used is descriptive with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques, the primary data is done by structured and semi-structured interviews while the secondary data is by library research. The results of the study found that the role of social workers as advocates is one of the roles that is often used by social workers at the Toddopuli Children's Social Rehabilitation Center (BRSAMPK) to provide assistance to children who are in conflict with the law in court proceedings starting from preparing all children's social reports. and referrals if possible the child has other needs. The role of social workers as educators for children dealing with the law at the Toddopuli social rehabilitation center for children requiring special protection (BRSAMPK), namely providing education both knowledge and skills for empowering children, conducting supervision, compiling educational activities. The role of social workers as counselors for children dealing with the law is in the social rehabilitation center for children requiring special protection (BRSAMPK) Toddopuli, namely providing motivation to children, helping children to be responsible in solving or facing problems, providing suggestions and solutions to children so that children can immediately solve problems , formulate or discuss problems or conduct case conferences if the social worker does not find a solution to a child's problem.

The new prospects for the development of children cardiologic rehabilitation at sanatoriums of Yevpatoria health resort

The article discusses the prospects of rehabilitation of children with congenital cardiovascular anomaly, including those after surgery. The author provides evidence that it is essential to create a system of physical, psychological, and social rehabilitation for this category of patients at all stages of medical care: in hospital, at the sanatorium, and during the follow-up, taking into account the basic principles of rehabilitation (an early start, a stage-by-stage approach, coherence, continuity, consistency, individualization of the rehabilitation plan, etc.). The sanatorium treatment at the famous climatic and balneological children’s health resorts of the Black Sea coast appears to be the most physiologically relevant stage contributing to the improvement of the regulatory processes of cardiac activity and providing optimal results of restorative treatment and rehabilitation for the young patients with congenital heart defects in the remote postoperative period. The creation of the All-Russian Rehabilitation Center for children with cardiovascular pathology, including children after heart surgery, in the Republic of the Crimea should be considered in the context of the further development and implementation of measures in accordance with the List of Instructions of the President of the Russian Federation following the meeting of the Coordinating Council under the President of the Russian Federation on the implementation of the National Strategy of Action in the Interests of Children for 2012–2017 of March 31, 2017.

The Relationship Between Physical Factors and Architecture of Rehabilitation Educational Care Centers With the Quality of Rehabilitation Services in Children With Autism From the Perspective of Their Occupational Therapists and Parents

Background and Aims Autism is a common disorder among children. Physical and architectural factors of rehabilitation centers may affect the quality of rehabilitation. This study aims to investigate the effect of physical and architectural elements of educational and therapeutic spaces on autism rehabilitation. Methods The present analytical-observational research was cross-sectional. This study used the standard Minnesota Questionnaire (MSQ) to assess employees’ job satisfaction. The standard sensory profile questionnaire 2 (short form) was employed to determine the sensory function pattern of autistic children aged 3 to 14 years. Finally, a researcher-made questionnaire of architecture quality assessment was used to evaluate the quality of physical space architecture, interior architecture, and standard facilities of educational and therapeutic spaces. In this cross-sectional study, 32 occupational therapists from university and hospital treatment centers, welfare centers, and private clinics, and 50 parents of children with autism participated as the available sample group. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between variables. Results Findings from the study population showed significant relationships between the variables studied in the groups of sensation seeking, sensation avoiding, sensation sensitive, and sensation register (from the analysis of sensory profile) and improving the quality of rehabilitation of children with autism (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion According to the study findings, job satisfaction, physical factors, sensory processing, and assessing the quality of architecture in the design of educational and therapeutic spaces of rehabilitation centers for children with autism are of particular significance. Utilizing the factors studied in this study will not only positively affect the treatment process of these patients, but it will also increase the job satisfaction of occupational therapists working in rehabilitation centers for autism.

Piloting a Strengths-Based Intervention to Enhance the Quality of Life of Families Raising Children With Autism

A strengths-based perspective puts the resources of individuals, families, communities, and their environments, rather than their deficit needs, problems and pathologies, at the center of the social work helping process.&#x0D; This research was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention developed on the basis of an approach based on the strengths of families raising children with autism in improving the family life quality, strengthening its capacity, expanding their rights and possibilities, and enhancing resilience.&#x0D; The experimental intervention was carried out at the Educational and Rehabilitation Center for Children with Autism “Dovira” (Lviv, Ukraine) and consisted of 12 group meetings. It had one experimental group (30 people) and two control groups (60 people).&#x0D; The results of pre- and post-intervention surveys demonstrate the encouraging evidences of the effectiveness of the strength-based intervention program in social work with families raising children with autism, which indicates the possibility of its application in the family social work practice, in particular with families raising children with autism and other developmental disorders.

44 Prevalence estimates of Cerebral Palsy among 4-year-old children living Manitoba, Births: 2013-2015

Abstract Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in children with an estimated prevalence of 2.1 per 1000 live births. Understanding the provincial prevalence of CP and describing clinical sub-types within Manitoba assists with planning future funding and ensuring adequate resources. Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence estimate of CP among 4-year-old children in Manitoba, and further describe children’s clinical presentation. Design/Methods As the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC) is a referral site for all Manitoba children requiring multidisciplinary evaluation/treatment for CP, this retrospective study used RCC’s electronic medical records to identify all 4-year-old children who had a confirmed CP diagnosis, were living in Manitoba and were born between Jan 2013 to Dec 2015. To ensure provincial data was complete, information was cross-referenced with the Pediatric Neurology Clinic’s medical records and the Neonatal Follow-up database. Prevalence rate was determined using Government of Manitoba denominators of same age children. The Gross Motor Function Classification system (GMFCS) determined the child’s level of functioning Results The prevalence of CP in Manitoba (birth years 2013-2015) for 108 4-year-old-children is 2.05 (95% CI1.7, 2.5) per 1000 4-year-old children. Of the 108 4-year-old children with CP, 6 (5.6%) had a post neonatal cause, while 102 (94.4%) had a perinatal cause; and 51/108 (47%) were born preterm. Motor subtypes for 108 children are: Spastic 99 (91.7%) including hemiplegia 41.4%, diplegia 21.2%, triplegia 8.1%, and quadriplegia 29.3%; Dyskinetic 4 (3.7%); Ataxic 3(2.8%) and Hypotonic 2 (1.8%). 58/108 (54%) were independent ambulators (GMFCS level II/II). Conclusion Our provincial rate of CP is consistent with the prevalence reported in developed countries. Understanding the clinical presentation assists in informing treatment and resources for children with CP in our province.

Effect of Acupuncture at Lumbar Huatuo Jiaji Point Combined with Exercise Rehabilitation on Sitting Ability of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objective: To provide a new method for improving the sitting ability of children with cerebral palsy by using traditional acupuncture at the lumbar Huatuo Jiaji point combined with exercise rehabilitation. Methods: A total of 30 children with cerebral palsy aged 1-3 years old who were admitted to the Children's Rehabilitation Center of rehabilitation Medicine Department of Jingzhou First People's Hospital from June 2020 to February 2022 were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into observation group (n = 15) and control group (N = 15). GMF 88 gross motor Rating Scale and sitting ability (LSS) grading were performed in both groups. Observation group only routine exercise rehabilitation training. The control group was treated with acupuncture at lumbar Huatuo Jiaji point on the basis of exercise rehabilitation. 2 groups, once a day,10 times a course of treatment. The next course of treatment was continued at an interval of 1 week, and the treatment lasted for 3 courses. Before and after treatment, the sitting function area (B) and sitting ability (LSS) of GMFM88 gross motor function assessment were evaluated, and the differences were compared. Results: In the first course of treatment, there was no statistical significance in the total effective rate between the observation group and the control group (P&gt;0.05). After the second and third courses of treatment, the total effective rate in control group was higher than that in observation group, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture at lumbar Huatuo Jiaji point combined with exercise therapy can significantly improve the sitting ability of children with cerebral palsy.

Emotional and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder and psychological distress in their parents in Saudi Arabia: The moderating effect of marital relationship satisfaction

BackgroundThere is a well-established association between emotional and behavioral problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), unmet family support needs, and psychological distress in their parents. However, no studies hypothesized a buffering effect of marital relationship satisfaction. AimThe aim of this research was to investigate the moderating effect of marital relationship satisfaction in the associations among emotional and behavioral problems in children with ASD, unmet family support needs, and anxiety and depression of their parents in the context of Saudi Arabia. Design and methodsThis cross-sectional study recruited parents from five rehabilitation centers for children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected with surveys completed online. A sample of 93 parents (84% female, 4.3% were 24 or younger, 36.2% between 25 and 34 years old, 40.5% between 35 and 44, and 14.7% between 45 and 54) of children with ASD was obtained. Two models of multiple regression analysis were performed to determine the relationships. ResultsAbout 56% of the parents had anxiety symptoms and 60% had depressive symptoms. Emotional and behavioral problems of children and higher levels of unmet family support needs were associated with higher levels of anxiety in parents, and adaptive behavior of children was associated with reduced levels of depression in parents. Relationship satisfaction moderated the impact of children's emotional and behavioral problems on parental anxiety. Conclusion and implicationsThe study highlighted the importance of marital relationship satisfaction in buffering the negative effects of ASD-related factors of children on the psychological well-being of their parents.

“Does Change Last?”: Evaluating the Strengths-Based Intervention for Families Raising Children with Autism

The study evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention for families raising children with autism aimed to improve the family’s quality of life, strengthen its capacity, and expand rights and opportunities. The experimental intervention was implemented at the Educational and Rehabilitation Center for Children with Autism “Trust” (Lviv, Ukraine). It had one experimental group (30 people) and two control groups (60 people). The effectiveness and duration of the intervention effects were assessed using a before/after study design with the same questionnaire. Findings from the survey evidence the effectiveness of the intervention, in particular, for expanding the family’s capabilities, its capacity, improving relationships in family subsystems, increasing parental competence, and improving well-being. Limitations of the intervention are discussed.