Intellectual Disability Participants Research Articles

A rapid-prototyping toolkit for people with intellectual disabilities

Micro-electronics tools, coupled with card-based tools, are employed for prototyping smart devices with non-experts. Lately, researchers have started investigating what tools can actively engage people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in their prototyping. This paper posits itself in this line of work. It presents a toolkit for ID people to rapidly prototype together their own ideas of smart things, for their own shared environment. It analyses and discusses engaging or disengaging features of the toolkit in light of the results of two workshops with eight ID participants. Lessons of broad interest for the design of similar toolkits are drawn from the literature and study findings.

Effect of Verbal Encouragement on Postural Balance in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

This study investigated the effect of verbal encouragement (VE) on static and dynamic balance in individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs). A total of 13 mild IDs and 12 moderate IDs participants underwent static balance tests (bipedal stance on firm surface, under open eyes (OEs) and closed eyes (CEs), and foam surface, unipedal stance on firm surface) and dynamic balance assessments (Y Balance Test (YBT) and Expanded Timed Up-and-Go Test (ETUGT)) under VE and no VE (NO/VE) conditions. VE significantly reduced center of pressure mean velocity (CoPVm) values for mild IDs in firm bipedal CEs conditions. The mild IDs group exhibited improved YBT scores and enhanced ETUGT performances for both groups under VE. Incorporating VE as a motivational strategy in balance training interventions can positively impact static and dynamic balance in individuals with mild IDs, especially in challenging conditions like unipedal stances on firm surfaces.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration is different between autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability children and adolescents

PurposeRecent studies showed that mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Whether their levels are different between ASD and intellectual disability (ID) subjects is not clear. The aim of this study is to compare the serum mBDNF and proBDNF concentration, and mBNDF/proBDNF ratio in ASD and ID volunteers. MethodsChildren and adolescents with ASD or ID between the ages of 4 and 22 were recruited in Tianjin, China. Serum mBDNF and proBDNF level were tested and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) evaluations were conducted. ResultsSerum mBDNF concentration and the ratio of mBDNF to proBDNF was higher in ASD subjects than that in ID subjects (P = 0.035 and P < 0.001, respectively), while serum proBDNF of ASD participants was lower compared to that of ID participants (P < 0.001). CARS score was positively correlated with serum mBDNF level (r = 0.33, P = 0.004) and m/p ratio (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with serum proBDNF level (r = −0.39, <0.001) after adjusting for age and IQ. The AUC of mBDNF, proBDNF, and m/p ratio were 0.741, 0.790, and 0.854, respectively, after adjusted for age and IQ. ConclusionSerum mBDNF, proBDNF and m/p ratio were different between ASD and ID group. The three biomarkers displayed good diagnostic values for classification of ASD and ID subjects.

Eslicarbazepine acetate response in intellectual disability population versus general population.

A quarter of people with intellectual disability (ID) have epilepsy, compared to approximately one in a hundred across the general population. Evidence for the safe and effective prescribing of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for those with ID is, however, limited. This study seeks to strengthen the research evidence around Eslicarbazepine Acetate (ESL), a new AED, by comparing response of individuals with ID to those from the general population who do not have ID. A single data set was created through retrospective data collection from English and Welsh NHS Trusts. The UK-based Epilepsy Database Research Register (Ep-ID) data collection and analysis method were used. Data were collected for 93 people (36 ID and 57 'no ID'). Seizure improvement of '>50%' was higher at 12months for 'no ID' participants (56%), compared to ID participants (35%). Retention rates were slightly higher for those with ID (56% compared to 53%). Neither difference was significant. Tolerance and Efficacy for ID and 'no ID' people in our data set were similar. Seizure improvement and retention rates were slightly lower than that found in other European data sets, but findings strengthen the evidence for the use of ESL in the ID population.

Duration judgments in children and adolescents with and without mild intellectual disability

BackgroundWhile the ability to measure time correctly is crucial for adaptation to the external physical and social environment, to date, research on timing ability and its development in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is unfortunately remarkably scarce. AimsIn the present study, we investigated the ability of individuals with mild ID to estimate durations and the development of this ability from 11 to 19 years, in comparison to typically developing (TD) individuals. Methods and proceduresParticipants with mild ID and TD participants matched on chronological age completed two temporal tasks: (1) a temporal bisection of auditory stimuli, in which they had to decide whether arbitrary stimulus duration was more similar to the short (200 ms) or the long (800 ms) standard previously learned, and (2) a temporal categorization of familiar actions, in which short, medium or long target durations had to be paired with one of three comparison action durations. Outcomes and resultsTemporal performance was systematically impaired in participants with mild ID. Moreover, the temporal impairment increased with age in the bisection task but not in the categorization task. Conclusions and implicationsThese findings suggest that the ability to estimate durations develops at a slower pace in individuals with mild ID compared to TD individuals.

Identification of Needs of Older Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

AbstractInformation regarding individual needs of older adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) is scarce although it is very important both from a person‐centered planning perspective and from a proactive service system perspective. This study has three main aims: (1) to identify and describe staff perceptions of the needs of a large group of adults aged 45 or over with IDs; (2) to analyze the perceived needs as function of age, gender, and level of disability; (3) to present information about the development and the psychometric properties of the assessment instrument used. The participants were 232 Portuguese older adults with IDs (mean age = 52), predominantly male (n = 129). There were 66 staff members who assessed the needs of the IDs participants through the Inventory of Identification of Needs (IIN). The IIN demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties (e.g., internal consistency, interrater reliability, construct validity). The unmet needs were numerous and diverse, but those that were perceived as more prevalent were: literacy, handling of money, information on rights, self‐care, information on services, communication, occupation at holidays, occupation at weekends, general physical health, cognitive rehabilitation, and daytime activities. The needs were influenced by the disability level: regarding Literacy/Information and Occupation/Community, needs were significantly more common in persons with a moderate and/or severe disability. The influence of age was registered only in Mental Health. The needs identified should guide the planning and development of service provision. These should offer literacy learning experiences, information about the rights of persons with disabilities, information about the services available, self‐care assistance or training in self‐care skills; and meaningful activities during regular time periods, weekends and holidays.

Sedentary And Physical Activity Patterns In Adults With Intellectual Disability

INTRODUCTION: Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) present higher health risks due to their extremely low physical activity (PA) levels. It is important to enhance our knowledge about PA levels and sedentary time (ST) among this specific population. PURPOSE: This study describes and compares PA levels and ST of active (AG) and a non-active (NAG) groups of adults with ID versus a group of adults without ID (AWID). METHOD: Thirty-seven participants from an AG with ID, 29 participants from a NAG with ID and 31 adults AWID participated in this study. An informed consent and a health screening questionnaire were completed by each participant and each legal guardian. Height and weight were obtained to calculate BMI. PA and ST levels were assessed with ActiGraph accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine the relation between groups and ID levels. Variables of age and anthropometry were analyzed by using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Total PA and PA levels of each group were compared by using a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: The AG performed higher values of moderate to vigorous PA compared to the NAG (p = 0.018), but, similar to the group of AWID. The group of AWID spent less time in ST and more time in light PA than both groups of adults with ID (all p < 0.001). The participants of the AG did not demonstrate less ST than the NAG. CONCLUSION: When assessing PA levels in ID participants, it was observed that participants presented large amounts of sedentary behaviors in both groups. The participants of the AG, despite participating in PA programmes did not demonstrate less ST. We believe that, by including well designed and structured PA programmes into their workdays, as well as incorporating breaks to reduce bouts in ST and total ST, could be of great help to increase daily PA levels in adults with ID. Partially supported by: MEC (DEP2017-86862-C2-1-R)Table 1: Participants’ characteristics, anthropometry indices and PA data.

Test-Retest Reliability and Clinical Feasibility of a Motion-Controlled Game to Enhance the Literacy and Numeracy Skills of Young Individuals with Intellectual Disability.

Games using motion capture from web cameras have become increasingly popular. However, there are no games specifically designed to teach literacy to individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of introducing young individuals with ID to a new augmented reality game, the MoviLetrando, and establish its test-retest reliability to determine its usefulness in teaching the alphabet and motor control skills. The performance of a sample of 88 ID participants (52 males, 36 females, mean ± standard deviation age, 11.2 ± 2.6 years) was measured on two different testing sessions. Five dependent variables (total points, number of correct vowels/numbers, number of mistakes, number of omissions, and average time to reach symbols) were used for data analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), Cronbach's alpha, and Bland-Altman plots were used to estimate the test-retest reliability and measurement precision. Feasibility was assessed by examining recruitment, adherence, and acceptability in both phases of the game. The dependent variables identified in the MoviLetrando demonstrated an ICC of 0.44 to 0.82, suggesting acceptable/good test-retest reliability, respectively. The internal consistency was satisfactory. The small SEM, as well as the narrow width of the 95 percent limits of agreement in the Bland-Altman plots, implied that measurements of these dependent variables were precise and accurate on both the occasions. Excellent test-retest reliability for performance measurement was demonstrated in the ID participants, indicating that the MoviLetrando could be used as an outcome measure for this population.

Patterns of differences in wayfinding performance and correlations among abilities between persons with and without Down syndrome and typically developing children.

Down syndrome (DS) impacts several brain regions including the hippocampus and surrounding structures that have responsibility for important aspects of navigation and wayfinding. Hence it is reasonable to expect that DS may result in a reduced ability to engage in these skills. Two experiments are reported that evaluated route-learning of youth with DS, youth with intellectual disability (ID) and not DS, and typically developing (TD) children matched on mental age (MA). In both experiments, participants learned routes with eight choice point presented via computer. Several objects were placed along the route that could be used as landmarks. Participants navigated the route once with turn indicators pointing the way and then retraced the route without them. In Experiment 1 we found that the TD children and ID participants performed very similarly. They learned the route in the same number of attempts, committed the same number of errors while learning the route, and recalled approximately the same number of landmarks. The participants with DS performed significantly worse on both measures of navigation (attempts and errors) and also recalled significantly fewer landmarks. In Experiment 2, we attempted to reduce TD and ID vs DS differences by focusing participants’ attention on the landmarks. Half of the participants in each group were instructed to identify the landmarks as they passed them the first time. The participants with DS again committed more errors than the participants in the ID and TD groups in the navigation task. In addition, they recalled fewer landmarks. While landmark identification improved landmark memory for both groups, it did not have a significant impact on navigation. Participants with DS still performed more poorly than did the TD and ID participants. Of additional interest, we observed that the performance of persons with DS correlated with different ability measures than did the performance of the other groups. The results the two experiments point to a problem in navigation for persons with DS that exceeds expectations based solely on intellectual level.

Intellectual disability and co‐occurring mental health and physical disorders in aggressive behaviour

Mental and physical health problems are more prevalent among individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) than in the general population. Studies suggest that there may be significant associations between these co-occurring disorders and aggressive behaviour, but few studies have taken into account multiple mental and physical problems, as well as their level of severity. The main goal of this study was to identify the associations between different types of aggressive behaviour and various types of physical and mental health problems. These associations were explored through a cross-sectional study of 296 adult men and women with mild or moderate ID living in the community and receiving ID services. Information was gathered through interviews with ID participants, case managers and file review. The results show that individuals with ID who have more mental and physical health problems have higher odds of displaying aggressive behaviour than those with fewer and less severe physical health problems. These results can help guide future prevention and intervention strategies for persons with ID who display aggressive behaviour or who are at risk of become aggressive.

Inhibition deficits in individuals with intellectual disability: a meta‐regression analysis

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are characterised by inhibition deficits; however, the magnitude of these deficits is still subject to debate. This meta-analytic study therefore has two aims: first to assess the magnitude of inhibition deficits in ID, and second to investigate inhibition type, age, IQ and the presence/absence of comorbid problems as potential moderators of effect sizes. Twenty-eight effect sizes comparing ID and age matched normal controls on inhibition tasks were included in a random effects meta-regression. Moderators were age, IQ, inhibition type and presence/absence of comorbid disorder. The analysis showed a medium to large inhibition deficit in ID. Inhibition type significantly moderated effect size, whereas age and comorbid disorder did not. IQ significantly moderated effect size indicating increasing effect size with decreasing IQ, but only in studies that included a sample of ID participants with mean IQ > 70. The analysis indicated comparable deficits in behavioural inhibition and interference control, but no significant deficits in cognitive inhibition and motivational inhibition. These results indicate that ID is characterised by a medium to large inhibition deficit in individuals with ID. ID seems not to be characterised by deficits in cognitive and motivational inhibition, which might indicate that distinct processes underlie distinct inhibition capacities.

The role of personality in aggressive behaviour among individuals with intellectual disabilities

Aggressive behaviour is associated with certain personality traits in both the general population and among individuals with mental health problems, but little attention has been paid to the relationship between aggressive behaviour and personality among individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this study was to circumscribe personality profiles associated with aggressive behaviour among individuals with ID. In this cross-sectional study of 296 adults with mild or moderate ID, information on mental health, personality and aggressive behaviour was gathered through structured interviews with the ID participants and their case manager, and a review of client files. The results of the Reiss Profile were submitted to hierarchical cluster analysis method. Subsequently, the distribution of aggressive behaviour, sociodemographic characteristics and clinical characteristics across personality profiles was analysed. The analyses yielded seven distinct personality profiles in relation to patterns of aggressive behaviour: Pacifists, Socials, Confidents, Altruists, Conformists, Emotionals and Asocials. The identification of distinct personality profiles sheds light on the risk factors for aggressive behaviour, and suggests new approaches to improving diagnostic and intervention strategies.

Physiological and social factors associated with increments of body mass of Mexican young people with intellectual disabilities

Studies on the state of health and nutrition of Mexicans with intellectual disability (ID) including those with Down syndrome (DS), are scarce. To analyze some physiological and social factors associated with the body mass of young people with ID from northern México. Body weight, height and other anthropometric values were measured in fifty seven young (17 ± 5 years) participants with ID (DS,16%) and at least one guardian. BMI (kg/m²), somatotype and nutritional status were established by three international standards and total blood glucose, cholesterol & triacylglycerides, were also analyzed. Guardian's socio-economic, household food insecurity and nutrition literacy status were estimated with validated questionnaires by direct interview. Participants with SD were 12 cm smaller but subscapular skinfold (SECPS) was 6 mm thicker than that from other ID participants (p < 0.05). Prevalence of overweight/obesity was 70 and 44%, respectively. Blood biochemicals were similar between groups, but 25% had dyslipidemias. Participant's BMI correlated (p < 0,01) with several anthropometric & adiposity indicators (r = 0,40 a 0,88 ), blood triglycerides (r = 0,48 ) and cholesterol (r = 0,44) and guardians & participants' age (r = 0,35). The spending in food correlated (p < 0.05) with participant's SECPS (r = -0.33). The circumference of the waist, hip, calf and PSECP, 89% of the variance of the BMI explained. The body mass of young people with DI from northern Mexico, is strongly related to the degree of body adiposity, dyslipidemias, and some socio-economic factors of their family environment.

Holistic Versus Featural Facial Composite Systems for People with Mild Intellectual Disabilities

SummaryLimited verbal abilities might act as a barrier to witnesses with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) to provide accurate testimony. This might be particularly problematic when the police need to create a facial composite image. Contrary to featural composite systems such as Electronic Facial Identification Technique (E‐FIT), holistic systems such as Evolutionary Facial Identification Technique (EvoFIT) do not require the witness to provide a verbal description of a perpetrator's face. Instead, they rely more on face recognition, which may make them more suitable for people with ID. The current study compared the performance of people with and without ID at creating composites using E‐FIT and EvoFIT. Although ID composites created with EvoFIT were more often accurately identified than E‐FIT composites, the performance of ID participants was overall very poor across both systems and considerably poorer than that of non‐ID participants. The implications of these findings for practitioners working in the Criminal Justice System are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Comparison Of Bone Density Measures In Adults With Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, And Non-disabled Adults

Osteoporosis and its risks are major health concerns due to increased mortality and morbidity associated with fractures to key areas such as the hip or spine that limit ambulation. Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) or Down Syndrome (DS) may be at greater risk of developing osteoporosis due to a lack of physical activity. To date, few studies have compared total body bone mineral density (BMD) of ID and DS populations as well as adults without disability. PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to compare BMD of DS and ID populations to adults without a disability (NID). METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to examine differences in BMD among adults with DS, adults with ID without DS, and adults without a disability. Thirty-three age-, gender-, and race-matched participants between the ages of 28-60 years in each group were compared. BMD was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical activity habits were assessed using the NHANES III, Physical Activity Survey. A 2x3 ANOVA was used to determine mean differences in BMD and physical activity measures. Group differences were examined using post-hoc independent t-tests. RESULTS: Total BMD for DS participants was significantly lower than both ID and NID participants (p<0.0001). BMD (p<0.0001 for all sites) in participants with DS was significantly lower compared to NID subjects at each site. Participants with ID had significantly (p<0.0001) lower BMD compared to NID control subjects for total body, arm, leg, pelvis, and total z-score. Participants with DS had significantly lower BMD compared to participants with ID at all sites with the exception of the legs. The mean total z-score for participants with DS (-0.94 ± 1.01) was almost a full standard deviation below the norm, while those with ID (0.07 ± 1.66) were in the normal range. None of the physical activity measures were significantly different between DS and ID groups, however total minutes of physical activity of both DS (335.33 ± 318.24 min) and ID groups (301.15 ± 292.83 min) were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the NID group (509.52 ± 405.83 min). CONCLUSION:Lower BMD measures put DS subjects at greater risk for osteoporosis than ID subjects or control populations. Future studies are needed to examine the effect of this increased risk for osteoporosis on overall health in DS and ID populations.

Accurate memory for object location by individuals with intellectual disability: Absolute spatial tagging instead of configural processing?

Using head-mounted eye tracker material, we assessed spatial recognition abilities (e.g., reaction to object permutation, removal or replacement with a new object) in participants with intellectual disabilities. The “Intellectual Disabilities (ID)” group ( n = 40) obtained a score totalling a 93.7% success rate, whereas the “Normal Control” group ( n = 40) scored 55.6% and took longer to fix their attention on the displaced object. The participants with an intellectual disability thus had a more accurate perception of spatial changes than controls. Interestingly, the ID participants were more reactive to object displacement than to removal of the object. In the specific test of novelty detection, however, the scores were similar, the two groups approaching 100% detection. Analysis of the strategies expressed by the ID group revealed that they engaged in more systematic object checking and were more sensitive than the control group to changes in the structure of the environment. Indeed, during the familiarisation phase, the “ID” group explored the collection of objects more slowly, and fixed their gaze for a longer time upon a significantly lower number of fixation points during visual sweeping.

Profiles and correlates of aggressive behaviour among adults with intellectual disabilities

Despite the heterogeneity in aggressive behaviours observed among individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), little attention has been paid to the identification of typologies of aggression among individuals with mild or moderate ID and their associated factors. The goal of the present study was to identify profiles of aggressive behaviour and their psychosocial correlates. In this cross-sectional study of 296 adults with mild or moderate ID, information was gathered through interviews with the ID participants, their case manager and a significant other. Client files were also reviewed. Multiple correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical cluster analysis generated six distinct profiles of aggressive behaviour in this sample. The 'violent' group clearly stood out as lacking social and vocational involvement, having more severe mental health problems, high levels of impulsivity and antisocial tendencies compared with all other groups. The identification of distinct profiles of aggressive behaviour offers new possibilities for studying risk factors and eventually targeting specific risk prevention strategies.