Developmental Disabilities Research Articles

A Real-Life Laboratory Setting for Clinical Practice, Education, and Research in Family Systems Care: Protocol for a Transformational Action Research Study.

Burdening health and illness issues such as physical or mental illnesses, accidents, disabilities, and life events such as birth or death influence the health and functioning of families and contribute to the complexity of care and health care costs. Considerable research has confirmed the benefits of a family systems-centered care approach for patients, family caregivers, families, and health care professionals. However, health care professionals face barriers in working with families, such as feeling unprepared. Family systems-centered therapeutic conversations support families' day-to-day coping, resilience, and health. A family systems care unit (FSCU) was recently established as a real-life laboratory at one of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences. In this unit, health care professionals offer therapeutic conversations to families and individual family members to support daily symptom management and functioning, soften suffering, and increase health and well-being. These conversations are observed in real time through a 1-way window by other health care professionals, students, and trainees and are recorded with video for research and education. Little is known about how therapeutic conversations contribute to meaningful changes in burdened families and the benefits of vicarious learning in a real-life laboratory setting for family systems care. In this research program, we aim to deepen our understanding of how therapeutic conversations support families and individuals experiencing burdening health and illness issues and how the FSCU laboratory setting supports the learning of students, clinical trainees, and health care professionals. Here we apply a transformational action research design, including parallel and subsequent substudies, to advance knowledge and practice in family systems care. Qualitative multiple-case study designs will be used to explore the benefits of therapeutic conversations by analyzing recordings of the therapeutic conversations. The learning processes of students, trainees, and professionals will be investigated with descriptive qualitative study designs based on single and focus group interviews. The data will be analyzed with established coding methods. Therapeutic conversations have been investigated in 3 single-case studies, each involving a sequence of 3 therapeutic conversation units. Data collection regarding the second research question is planned. Preliminary results confirm the therapeutic conversations to support families' coping. This renders the FSCU a setting for ethically sensitive research. This program will not only support the health and well-being of families, but also contribute to relieving the financial and workforce burdens in the health and social care system. DERR1-10.2196/53090.

Providing Care to People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Medical Education.

Medical professionals commonly report having inadequate training providing care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This pilot study aimed to address this gap through a virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) with individuals with IDD as patient educators for 25 first- and second-year medical students (OSCE participants). Quantitative data through the Prediger competency scale and qualitative data through a semistructured interview were analyzed. OSCE participants reported a significant increase (p < 0.05) in self-perceived competency scores when comparing pre- and post-OSCE scores. Qualitative analysis yielded themes corresponding to improving skills, practice considerations, and perspectives and biases changes. These results suggested that this virtual OSCE promoted the development of self-perceived clinical competency and comfort providing care for individuals with IDD.

Medication Management in Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Psychiatric Pharmacists in Primary Care.

This study describes the role of psychiatric pharmacists (PPs) in medication management at a county-hospital-based primary care clinic serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). During a 20-week period, PPs provided 308 interventions for 97 patients with IDD, 55% of whom had a concomitant psychiatric/behavioral disorder and 70% of whom were taking at least one psychotropic medication. PP services included medication reviews (48%), medication histories (13%), collaborative care (12%), pharmacotherapy interventions (11%), advisory services (9%), and patient/caregiver education (7%). Psychotropics were involved in 66% of interventions. Our results demonstrate that PPs may address psychotropic-related challenges in this practice setting by performing a variety of services. Additional studies are needed to fully evaluate the impact of this integrative model.

Classroom Toileting: A Collaborative Effort.

Developmental norms suggest that children are ready for toilet training between the ages of 18 and 24 months; however, many children now enter school without this self-care skill. Many factors can contribute to delayed toilet training including child readiness, developmental disabilities, poverty, lower parental education levels, and higher rates of single and teen-aged parents who may lack parenting skills including toilet training. Most children enroll in a kindergarten program at 5 years of age. Because children will be accepted to kindergarten regardless of toilet training status, schools need to be ready for children who lack this self-care skill. Although school staff are willing to support these children, the main purpose of school is education. The school nurse can take an active role in classroom toileting programs by collaborating with school administrators, teachers, staff, and parents to promote successful toilet training and fostering a healthy learning environment.

Disney to Pixar Transition Causing Epilepsy: A Case Report of Reflex Epilepsy.

This case report describes a rare instance of reflex seizures in a 4-year-old boy with a complex medical history, including total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and developmental disabilities. The patient experienced seizures triggered exclusively by a specific visual stimulus: the transition scene from the Disney castle to the Pixar lamp in Disney-Pixar movies. Video electroencephalography (EEG) revealed biparasagittal rhythmic delta waves and diffuse slowing, suggesting parietal involvement and complex cortical processing. The findings highlight the individualized nature of reflex epilepsy and highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of specific seizure triggers. Effective management included avoiding the identified visual stimulus and adjusting medication based on the patient's response. This case emphasizes the intricate relationship between sensory processing and epileptogenic mechanisms, contributing to our knowledge of cortical excitability and guiding targeted treatment strategies for reflex seizures.

Telehealth of Infants at Risk During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Physical Therapists’ and Caregiver’s Perceptions and Costs

Aim We aimed to describe telehealth used to detect infants at risk of neurodevelopmental delay and assess the assessors’ and caregivers’ perceptions and costs. Methods This was an observational study in which five physical therapists applied the General Movement Assessment, the neurological exam based on the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale via telehealth in 65 infants at risk of neurologic delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. The perceptions of assessors and caregivers were assessed using a questionnaire. We tabulated the family’s costs (internet access) and the therapist’s expenses (internet access and professional fees). Results In general, assessors felt comfortable and reported good quality of teleassessment. They highlighted the significant effort they and caregivers required for synchronous methods, challenges in clearly guiding caregivers on infant positioning, difficulties in adjusting the camera’s position, and unstable internet connections. Most assessors expressed a willingness to continue using telehealth. Caregivers displayed high satisfaction, and the costs were minimal. Conclusion Teleassessment during the COVID-19 pandemic was feasible, although implementing this method of health service in general clinical practice still requires further scrutiny.

Predictors of mental well-being among family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during COVID-19.

Internationally, stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). This cross-sectional study investigated demographic, situational and psychological variables associated with mental wellbeing among family caregivers of adults with IDDs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseline data from 202 family caregivers participating in virtual courses to support caregiver mental well-being were collected from October 2020 to June 2022 via online survey. Mental well-being was assessed using total scores from the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Demographic, situational and psychological contributors to mental well-being were identified using hierarchical regression analysis. Variables associated with lower levels of mental well-being were gender (women); age (<60 years old); lack of vaccine availability; loss of programming for their family member; social isolation; and low confidence in their ability to prepare for healthcare, support their family member's mental health, manage burnout and navigate healthcare and social systems. Connection with other families, confidence in managing burnout and building resilience and confidence in working effectively across health and social systems were significant predictors of mental well-being in the final regression model, which predicted 55.6% of variance in mental well-being (P < 0.001). Family caregivers need ways to foster social connections with other families, and support to properly utilise healthcare and social services during public health emergencies. Helping them attend to their needs as caregivers can promote their mental health and ultimately improve outcomes for their family members with disabilities.

Biotinidase Deficiency and Aplasia Cutis Congenita with Ecterodactyly Syndrome (ACCES) in a case of Moya Moya Disease: A Missing Link

Biotinidase Deficiency (BD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the BTD gene, leading to impaired biotin recycling and disruption in energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier function. This condition increases the risk of neurovascular events such as strokes. In parallel, the UBA2 gene's loss of function, through various mutations, results in Aplasia Cutis Congenita with Ectrodactyly (ACCES) syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder with highly variable expressivity. ACCES syndrome commonly presents with scalp defects and less frequently with ectrodactyly, alongside other subtle skeletal anomalies, early growth deficiency, and neurodevelopmental delay. This case report discusses a 6-year-old child presenting with an acute stroke and distinct dysmorphic features, highlighting a rare association between Biotinidase Deficiency and ACCES syndrome, which likely contributed to the development of Moya Moya Disease (MMD), a rare progressive cerebrovascular disorder. The case suggests that the combination of neurovascular stress due to both BD and ACCES may increase the risk of stroke and MMD in affected individuals. This underscores the importance of recognizing overlapping genetic conditions that could lead to severe neurovascular complications.

Closing the gap: introducing the EQUALS MAP framework for equity-focused evidence synthesis

Abstract Background Equity-focused analysis is vital to understanding how interventions affect disadvantaged groups and prevent widening inequalities via intervention-generated inequalities. We reviewed PROGRESS-Plus usage - a commonly used framework in equity-focused reviews and proposed a novel framework. Methods First, we re-analysed articles from the EQUALISE study, a review of interventions that increase or decrease inequalities in general practice, to explore the various domains of disadvantage examined in the included studies. We then compared these domains of disadvantage with the existing PROGRESS-Plus framework. Finally, we propose a new framework to support equity-focused evidence synthesis. Results From the 325 studies included, the PROGRESS-Plus dimensions most assessed were sex(52%), ethnicity/race(49%), and age(44%). The PROGRESS-Plus framework missed context-specific groups, those with multiple intersecting disadvantage, and people who experience disability. Our new framework EQUALS MAP includes: Ethnicity (and culture and race); Qualifications (and other socioeconomic factors of household or individual); Underprivileged areas; Age; Lesbian, gay and other sexual identities; Sex and gender; Multiple disadvantages; Additional groups experiencing significant disadvantage; and Physical and mental disability. Conclusions EQUALS MAP encapsulates the key dimensions of health inequities whilst for allowing context-specific flexibility. Examining the effectiveness of policy and practice interventions by disadvantaged groups is paramount to prioritise actions. Key messages • PROGRESS-Plus - a commonly used framework for equity-focuses evidence synthesis - misses context-specific groups, those with multiple intersecting disadvantage, and people who experience disability. • EQUALS MAP is a novel framework which encapsulates the key dimensions of health inequalities whilst allowing for context-specific flexibility.

Healthcare access for people with disabilities: a scoping review of COVID-19 policies in Europe

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic raised healthcare inequalities, affecting the most vulnerable groups. There is limited evidence of whether the COVID-19 measures and the health system’s preparedness for outbreaks among European countries were sufficient to cover the health access needs of PWDs. Aim To provide a structured overview of the COVID-19 measures and policies addressing access to primary and specialist health services for PWDs during the COVID-19 pandemic in the European Members States (MS) and the United Kingdom (UK), using ten dimensions of healthcare access by Levesque et al. (2013) and the PoliMap taxonomy. Methods This study followed the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews. A search strategy was employed on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2020 to January 2023. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were included, informing a COVID-19 measure or policy and assessing or providing a rationale with access to primary or special healthcare services. Results The final search strategy yielded 2.076 results, 188 studies were reviewed for full-text analysis, and 74 were included in the final analysis. One hundred twenty-one policies or measures addressing primary or specialist care access were identified. Only thirteen target PWDs, focussing on intellectual or mental disability and addressing mental healthcare services. Results revealed that COVID-19 measures for PWDs were oriented to increase health system response capacity and reduce virus transmission, describing a predominantly negative effect on healthcare access for PWDs. Conclusions The needs of PWDs in access to primary and specialist care were not fully covered by the policies and measures placed during the COVID-19 pandemic among the MS and the UK. One-size approaches focussing on the attendance of COVID-19 infection with stigmatizing measures overlook the specific health necessities of this population. Key messages • Adopting disabled-inclusive measures in the daily healthcare provision and engaging PWDs in the policy cycle is paramount to preparing for the next outbreak and public health crises. • Additional research focusing on primary and specialized healthcare access during outbreaks for PWDs, especially with sensory and physical disabilities, is crucial to furthering health equity.

Sexuality and Gender Diversity Among Adolescents in Australia, 2019-2021

Sexuality- and gender-diverse (SGD) young people experience substantial health disparities relative to cisgender heterosexual peers. Little is known about SGD adolescents younger than 15 years. To describe SGD prevalence and associated factors in a population-representative cohort of younger adolescents in Australia. This prospective cohort study was part of the Future Proofing Study, with enrollment of year 8 students at 134 Australian secondary schools from 2019 to 2021 and annual follow-ups for 5 years. Data were analyzed from June 20, 2023, to June 6, 2024. Outcomes of interest were baseline self-reported gender and sexuality identities, individual characteristics, and mental health and disability diagnoses, as well as school characteristics. Among 6388 participants, median (IQR) age was 13.9 (13.6-15.8), with a range of 10.7 to 17.5 years. Most participants attended school in a major city (76.0%), were born in Australia (91.4%), and spoke English at home (93.7%). Approximately half (3122 participants; 48.9% [95% CI, 45.2%-59.0%]) identified as female or girls, and 46.5% (2973 participants; 95% CI, 39.8%-53.4%) identified as male or boys. The overall proportion of transgender identity was 3.3% (95% CI, 2.7%-3.9%), with 23 participants (0.4%) identifying as transgender boys, 10 participants (0.2%) identifying as transgender girls, 117 participants (1.8%) identifying as transgender nonbinary, and 59 participants (0.9%) identifying as another transgender identity. The overall proportion of sexuality diversity was 12.0% (95% CI, 10.4%-13.8%). The proportion of cisgender participants who were sexuality-diverse (13.0% [95% CI, 11.4%-14.8%] of girls and 4.7% [95% CI, 3.7%-5.9%] of boys) was lower than the proportion among gender-diverse participants, which ranged from 30.0% (95% CI, 9.3%-64.1%) of transgender girls to 91.5% (95% CI, 81.3%-96.4%) of those with another diverse gender identity. Gender diversity and sexuality diversity were strongly associated (odds ratio [OR], 66.24; 95% CI, 38.23-114.80), and both were negatively associated with age (gender diversity: OR per 1-year older, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.49-0.76; sexuality diversity: OR per 1-year older, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.93) and positively with mental health diagnosis (gender diversity: OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.79-3.24; sexuality diversity: OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 2.10-2.98), and disability diagnosis (gender diversity: OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.68-3.40; sexuality diversity: OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.64-2.36). While there were significant associations between individual and school characteristics and responses to gender and sexuality identity items, patterns of association differed, with no consistent association with economic disadvantage. This cohort study of young adolescents found higher rates of SGD than among samples of older adolescents. The significant associations with younger age, poorer mental health, and disability underscored the urgent need for inclusive programs to promote a safe and welcoming environment in schools, health care settings, and communities.

Sociodemographic Factors Associated with the Utilization of Digital Health Technologies Among Informal Caregivers: A Nationwide Study in the USA, 2022.

Informal caregivers can leverage digital health technologies to support their own health while also assisting patients, particularly those with mental or physical challenges. This study investigated the sociodemographic factors associated with the use of digital health technology among informal caregivers. Data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) were examined for this cross-sectional study. The survey identified key outcomes related to the use of online medical records, health apps, digital wearable health devices, and the digital sharing of health information with professionals, on social media, or with others facing similar health issues. Sociodemographic factors (gender, race/ethnicity, feelings of one's household income, education, and census division) were also analyzed. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were employed. A total of 831 individuals were included, representing about 36,960,385 national informal caregivers in 2022. Caregivers with a high school education or less (vs. those with at least some college education) and non-Hispanic Black caregivers (vs. non-Hispanic White caregivers) were significantly less likely to be offered access to online medical records by their healthcare providers. Additionally, online medical record usage was lower among caregivers with high school education or less, but higher among caregivers aged 50-64 (vs. those aged 35-49). Caregivers with a high school education or less were less likely to use health apps and digital wearable health devices, but more likely to share personal health information on social media. Men caregivers, those aged 50-64 and over 65 (vs. the 35-49 age group), and caregivers who were dissatisfied with their income were less likely to use digital wearable health devices. The findings underscore disparities in the utilization of caregivers' digital health technology, particularly in digital wearable health devices. Recognizing and addressing these disparities are crucial for tailoring interventions to enhance equitable access to digital health technology among diverse informal caregiver populations.

Assistive Technology Uses and Barriers in the Home and Workplace for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Assistive technology (AT) has been successfully used by researchers and practitioners to increase task completion and independence in work and home environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While prior research has shown increased outcomes of incorporating AT into daily tasks, research has also indicated that actual use of AT in these settings is much lower. The current qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with a sample of 25 adults (22 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and three job coaches) to examine the perceived use and implementation of AT into home and work environments, along with potential challenges and barriers. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Three themes were identified: (1) technologies used to support daily living skills, (2) technologies used to support employment and (3) challenges and barriers to using technologies. Findings indicate that while individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are using a variety of AT in their homes both successfully and independently, they have extremely limited use in their workplaces. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Apnea of Prematurity and Oxidative Stress: Potential Implications

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) occurs in 85% of neonates ≤34 weeks of gestational age. AOP is frequently associated with intermittent hypoxia (IH). This narrative review reports on the putative relationship of AOP with IH and the resulting oxidative stress (OS). Preterm infants are susceptible to OS due to an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant systems with the excessive free radical load leading to serious morbidities that may include retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and neurodevelopmental delay. Current therapeutic approaches to minimize the adverse effects of AOP and optimize oxygen delivery include noninvasive ventilation and xanthine inhibitor therapy, but these approaches have only been partially successful in decreasing the incidence of AOP and associated morbidities.

Follow-up of expressive language and general development at 12, 18 and 36 months for children with no canonical babbling at 10 months

ABSTRACT Little is known about the developmental trajectories in children who do not use canonical babbling (CB) at 10 months. The aim was to examine how speech, language, cognitive and motor abilities developed in children without CB. For 15 children identified as not having CB, consonant production, expressive vocabulary and general development were assessed at 12, 18 and 36 months from audio–video recordings. Twelve (79%) children still lacked CB at 12 months. At 18 months, six (40%) had parent-reported expressive vocabulary results below the 10th percentile, and two (14%) did not use dental/alveolar stops. The percentage of consonants correct for the group was at the level of peers at 36 months (89%, SD 0.17), but the group had fewer established target consonants than age norms. Most children had a small expressive vocabulary in comparison with Swedish age norms for younger children as well as with age-matched norms for other Nordic languages. The general development (Bayley-III) for three children (21%) who did not use speech was 1–2 SD below the average range in at least one domain (cognitive, language or motor), but the results for the whole group were within the average range. In conclusion, the heterogeneity in early consonant development in the study group resembles that of children in clinical groups with known risk for speech and language difficulties and the expressive vocabulary resembles that of children with delayed expressive vocabulary. For about one-fifth of the children, the absence of canonical babbling at age 10 months could be seen as an early sign of a more comprehensive developmental disability.

A BRIEF GLIMPSE UPON THE "PARADIGM SHIFT" REGARDING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - TALES OF CONSISTENCY

The article provides a detailed analysis of the paradigm shift introduced by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD, adopted in 2006, is recognized as a significant human rights treaty that reaffirms the universal concept of human dignity, applying it to all individuals, including those with mental disabilities. The convention emphasizes the need for legal frameworks to evolve, ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others. The historical context leading up to the CRPD is outlined, noting that earlier UN declarations and principles laid the groundwork by gradually recognizing rights of persons with disabilities. This development can be divided into three stages: the initial recognition of legal personality, the establishment of principles for mental health care, and finally, the CRPD's comprehensive approach to legal capacity. A key focus of the article is the controversy surrounding Article 12 of the CRPD, which grants persons with disabilities the right to legal capacity in all aspects of life. This provision challenges traditional systems of guardianship and substitute decision-making, which have historically been used to manage the affairs of individuals with mental disabilities. The article discusses the debates and misunderstandings among national legislators regarding the implementation of this "paradigm shift," particularly the move from substitute to supported decision-making. Overall, the article argues that the CRPD represents a culmination of decades of evolving legal principles aimed at ensuring equality and dignity for persons with disabilities. The author emphasizes the need for national laws to align with this new approach, ensuring that legal capacity is universally recognized, regardless of an individual's mental or physical condition.

Clinical Utility of Virtual Kitchen Errand Task for Children (VKET-C) as a Functional Cognition Evaluation for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the clinical utility of a virtual reality (VR)-based kitchen error task for children (VKET-C) to assess functional cognition in children. Methods: In total, 38 children aged 7–12 years were included, comprising 23 typically developing (TD) children and 15 children with developmental disabilities (DDs), including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability. While performing the VKET-C, performance errors were analyzed. The Stockings of Cambridge (SOC) and Spatial Working Memory (SWM) tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) were used to assess cognitive function. The Brunner–Munzel test was performed to compare performance errors between the TD and DD groups, and correlations between performance errors and cognitive measures were analyzed. Results: Omission and commission errors were significantly different between the groups (p &lt; 0.001), with no significant difference in motor errors (p &gt; 0.05). Omission errors were correlated with the initial thinking time mean (ITMN) in all items of the SOC task and the between errors (BE) of the SWM task. Commission errors were correlated with the ITMN in the difficult items of the SOC task and the BE of the SWM task. Additionally, motor errors were significantly correlated with problems solved in minimum moves (PSMM) and ITMN in the difficult items of the SOC task and BE in the SWM task. Conclusions: The VKET-C shows promise as an effective tool for assessing executive function and working memory in children with DDs, offering an engaging and ecologically valid alternative to traditional methods.

Exercises and Activities for Gross Motor and Fine Motor Development in Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Case Study

Developmental coordination disorder also known as developmental dyspraxia, is used to refer the difficulty in movement skills, that children have which is not primarily due to general intellectual, primary sensory or motor neurological impairments. The patient with 6 years of age having DCD, presented with difficulty in walking and unsupported standing along with gripping difficulties as well as mild cognitive impairment. A certain set of treatment protocol was followed for about 5 weeks considering the complaints of the patient, which included activities promoting gross motor as well as fine motor functions. After following the protocol patient was able to attain unsupported standing and supported walking along with marked improvement in gross motor and fine motor functions. Different scales like, Modified Ashworth Scale, Pediatric Balance Scale were used to assess the patient as per suspected problems and if there was any associated condition. To confirm the diagnosis of the condition, criteria under diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5 (DSM5) were verified.

First-Year College Students’ Meaning Making of the Pandemic’s Impacts on Their Academics

The deep reverberations that the COVID-19 pandemic had on adolescents will continue to resonate with them as they age and go to college. In this study, we explore how 70 first year college students make meaning of COVID-19’s impacts on their academic lives as they begin their post-secondary education. Based in a phenomenological approach to ecosystems theory, we interviewed students as they began college to ask about what their academics in high school were like, how they were experiencing the transition to college, and connections they did or did not draw between the two. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data, producing five themes: schools and teachers responded well given the circumstances, but laid groundwork for academic struggles into the future; mental and emotional challenges related to the early pandemic affected learning and learning strategies; for some, academic struggles motivated personal growth; varied impacts meant greater challenges in the transition to college; and experiences informed thinking about future trajectories. These results demonstrate the need to attend not simply to static or quantitative measures of the pandemic’s impact on young people’s lives, but how they make meaning and respond as they develop.

F-BAR proteins CIP4 and FBP17 function in cortical neuron radial migration and process outgrowth.

During embryonic development, radial migration of newly born cortical neurons is a complex process that underlies the proper formation of the neocortex, the outermost layers of neurons in the brain. Disruptions in radial migration results in profound effects on cognitive function and can lead to devastating developmental disabilities. To better understand this critical process in brain development we examined two members of the F-BAR family of membrane bending proteins, CIP4 and FBP17, which are present in the developing brain. We demonstrate that intracellular concentrations of these proteins must be tightly regulated. Increasing or decreasing levels of either protein has profound effects on neuronal morphology and proper radial migration, suggesting they are key players in cortical development.