Objective To evaluate the effect of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programme for typing skill training for people with mild-grade mental handicap (MH). Methods Eighteen participants with ...mild-grade MH were recruited in this pilot study. Each participant was given the training once every week for a total of 3 weeks, each session lasting for 90 minutes. The training programme was a CAI programme with visual search strategies to enhance typing skills of people with MH. Their typing abilities were assessed before the training, and 1 week and 4 weeks after the training programme. Using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, typing speed and accuracy rate were compared. Results Significant differences were found on typing speed and accuracy ( p < 0.001) after the 3-week CAI programme. High levels of accuracy and significant improvement in typing speed might indicate that automatic processing might have occurred. Conclusion This study supported the role of visual search strategies and demonstrated a positive effective of CAI in enhancing functional performance among people with MH.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Les objectifs de cette étude ont été de déterminer les perceptions communautaires de l’enfant handicapé mental dans la région centrale du Togo. Il s’est agi d’une étude transversale descriptive menée ...d’octobre 2005 à janvier 2006. Les 301 sujets étaient majoritairement de sexe masculin (61,5 %). Sur les 174 sujets âgés de dix à 18 ans, 36,2 % travaillaient comme des aides familiales, 19,5 % étaient employés dans différents secteurs socioéconomiques tandis que 44,3 % n’avaient pas d’occupation. Trois-quarts des sujets avaient des troubles du langage dont 22,9 % incapables de communiquer avec leur entourage. Lorsque la personne handicapée mentale était considérée comme n’étant pas un être humain, elle est stigmatisée et rejetée. En revanche, une minorité de handicapés étaient réputés porteurs de pouvoirs surnaturels qui donnent accès à des vérités inaccessibles. La sorcellerie, l’envoûtement, Dieu et les divinités locales ont été de loin les causes supposées du handicap. Les représentations sociales négatives du handicap persistent. Penser le handicap mental en termes positifs de potentialités, de qualités, de possibilités mentales susceptibles de se développer dans une dynamique évolutive et de progrès est une nécessité.
The objective of this study has been to determine community perceptions of the mentally handicapped child in the central region of the Togo. It has been a cross-sectional study from October 2005 to January 2006. The 301 subjects involved were male sex in 61.5%. On 174 subjects aged from 10 to 18 years, 36.2% worked as family assistance, 19.5% were employed in different economic and social sectors while 44.3% had no occupation. Three-quarters of subjects had language troubles with 22.9% unable to communicate with their surrounding. When the mentally handicapped person was considered as not being a human being, he is stigmatized and rejected. On the other hand, a minority of handicapped persons were reputed carrier of supernatural authorities that give access to inaccessible truths. Witchcraft, bewitchment, God and local divinities have been supposed causes of the handicap. Negative social representations of the handicap persist. Thinking the mental handicap in positive potentiality terms, qualities, susceptible mental possibilities to develop in a dynamic and progressive way is a necessity.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The purpose of this study was to examine the school-to-work experience of people with mental handicap in Hong Kong. Fourteen young adults with mild mental handicap participated in in-depth ...interviews. An interview guide was utilized which included topics related to the participants' vocational preferences, work motivation and post-school placements. Data were analyzed according to a constant comparative method and content analysis. Three-quarters of the participants expressed job preferences. Three-quarters of the participants had taken a vocational training program unrelated to their job preferences. Half of the participants who had taken up open employment had not obtained their preferred jobs. None of the participants who had completed vocational training obtained job placements that matched their vocational training programs. All of the participants except five were not involved in making independent decisions regarding employment. The need to improve the quality of vocational services and empower people with mental handicap to take up self-determining roles are discussed.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
The aim of this study was to analyse possible intra- and postoperative complications and long-term results in combined orthodontic–orthognathic treatment of mentally handicapped patients compared ...with a control group of patients without handicap.
A group of 20 mentally handicapped patients (male=7, female=13) and of 102 non-handicapped patients (male=36, female=66) were evaluated retrospectively. The results of the two point-discrimination sensory test and the cephalometric findings of both groups were assessed. Complications during and after the operation, the results of nerve function tests and relapse rates were reported. The statistical analysis was carried out using binary logistical regression analysis with adjustment according to the diagnosis and the type of operation (
p
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No significant differences could be found between the mentally handicapped and the non-handicapped patients. Only the nerve function test immediately postoperatively revealed differences between the two patient groups. The relapse rate in mentally handicapped patients was similar to non-handicapped patients. Forty-seven months after the operation, relapse (change in the ANB angle of more than 0.5°) was observed in four patients only (handicapped patients).
Orthognathic surgical procedures in mentally handicapped patients can be carried out with a similarly high success rate as in mentally healthy patients.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Severe retardation in a child surely has an effect on all family members. Studies of nondisabled siblings in these families have indicated both emotional risks and perceived benefits. Little is known ...about how out‐of‐home placement of the child with retardation affects the siblings. Adolescent siblings of children with retardation living at home (N = 25) or in residential placement (N = 20) were contrasted with siblings of children without retardation (N = 28), on measures obtained from their mothers and themselves. Despite their different situations, these siblings were highly similar on measures of psychological adjustment, self‐esteem, and family environment. Sibling relationships, however, were less intense, with less warmth but also lower conflict, in families where the child lived out of the home. Most siblings of children with retardation reported positive personal growth experiences while also expressing realistic concerns about the future. Siblings of children with retardation had beliefs and attitudes about placement that were highly consistent with the child's current living situation.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The transcriptional silencing of the FMR2 gene has been implicated in FRAXE mental retardation. FRAXE individuals have been shown to exhibit learning deficits, including speech delay, reading and ...writing problems. FMR2 encodes a large protein of 1311 amino acids and is a member of a gene family encoding proline–serine‐rich proteins that have properties of nuclear transcription factors. To characterize the expression of the fragile X mental retardation 2 (FMR2) protein, polyclonal antibodies were raised against two regions of the human FMR2 protein and used in immunofluorescence experiments on mouse brain cryosections. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the FMR2 protein is localized in neurons of the neocortex, Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and the granule cell layer of the hippocampus. FMR2 staining is shown to colocalize with the nuclear stain 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) confirming that FMR2 is a nuclear protein. The localization of FMR2 protein to the mammalian hippocampus and other brain structures involved with cognitive function is consistent with the learning deficits seen in FRAXE individuals.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
This updated book provides a collection of longitudinal perspectives on experiences of individuals with Down Syndrome, from birth to adulthood. The book is an outgrowth of a federally funded early ...intervention study called Project EDGE (Expanding Developmental Growth through Education). Contents cover the following topics: historical review of developments regarding Down Syndrome (John Rynders), life as a journey (J. Rynders), the new baby's life within the family, (Janet Sophie Thayer), health promotion during the early years (Margaret Horrobin), stimulation of the young child's development (J. Rynders), family adjustment and adaptation (Brian H. Abery), becoming literate and socialized during the school years (J. Rynders), participating in community recreation (J. Rynders et al.), the transition from school to work and independent living (Alan Fletcher), maintaining health into adulthood (M. Horrobin), perspectives of parents and siblings (J. Rynders), and the life views of young adults with Down Syndrome (I. Karon Sherarts). Numerous photographs illustrate the personal accounts. A resource compilation by Shannon Matson lists national organizations on Down Syndrome, assistive technology and communication aids, computers/technology resource centers, recreation resources, books, and journals. Also appended are: information on reading skill stages, tips for adapting common recreation activities for young adults, and a list of assessment instruments and where they can be obtained. (Individual chapters contain references.) (SW)
In the developed world alone an increasing number of people have a severe learning disability leading to challenging behaviour. This can encompass aggression, self-injury, destructiveness, ...hyperactivity, inappropriate sexual or social conduct and bizarre mannerisms, which adversely affects the health and safety of both the sufferer and the carer. In this thoroughly revised and updated new edition, Eric Emerson provides a comprehensive overview of the current findings about the nature, epidemiology, causes and treatment outcomes of challenging behaviour caused by learning disability. The material about motivational factors and the relationship between challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorder has been considerably expanded, and the book combines evidence and research drawn from the fields of psychology, psychiatry and medicine. It will be essential reading for clinicians and all health care professionals involved in the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviour.
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