Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-03-27DOI: 10.1177/17446295231168184
Jakub Niedbalski
Introduction/background: This study aims to determine the impact of a person with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities on peer relationships of their siblings.
Methods: Information obtained from typically developing siblings of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities served as research material for this study. There were a total of 18 participants in the study. The analysis and interpretation were based on the procedures of grounded theory.
Results and conclusion: The results of the study show that young adults with a brother or sister with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities have some difficulties in establishing relationships with their peers, especially those more intimate such as friendships or romantic endeavors. At the same time, research confirms that siblings of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities have high levels of empathy and understanding for others as well as sincere attachment to family.
{"title":"The impact of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities on peer relationships of typically developing siblings.","authors":"Jakub Niedbalski","doi":"10.1177/17446295231168184","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295231168184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/background: </strong>This study aims to determine the impact of a person with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities on peer relationships of their siblings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Information obtained from typically developing siblings of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities served as research material for this study. There were a total of 18 participants in the study. The analysis and interpretation were based on the procedures of grounded theory.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusion: </strong>The results of the study show that young adults with a brother or sister with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities have some difficulties in establishing relationships with their peers, especially those more intimate such as friendships or romantic endeavors. At the same time, research confirms that siblings of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities have high levels of empathy and understanding for others as well as sincere attachment to family.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"514-532"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9246971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-03-28DOI: 10.1177/17446295231168186
Sandy Whitelaw, Anthony Bell, Ailsa Mackay, Heather Hall
The need to foster resilience amongst young people with intellectual disabilities is increasingly recognised within policy. Critically, understanding of the actual means by which this aspiration might be most sensitively and effectively met is considered weak. This paper reports on an exploratory case-study of a social enterprise community café - The Usual Place - that through the promotion of employability, seeks to promote resilience amongst its young 'trainees' with intellectual disabilities. Two research questions were set: "how is 'resilience' conceptualized within the organisation" and "what features within the organisation are significant in fostering resilience"? We identify a range of significant features associated with being able to successfully foster resilience - the need for a foundational 'whole organisation'(settings) approach based on high levels of participation and choice; the negotiation of a constructive dynamic tension between 'support' and 'exposure'; and the embedding of these actions in embodied actions and day-to-day organisational activities.
{"title":"Fostering resilience in young people with intellectual disabilities using a 'settings' approach.","authors":"Sandy Whitelaw, Anthony Bell, Ailsa Mackay, Heather Hall","doi":"10.1177/17446295231168186","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295231168186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The need to foster resilience amongst young people with intellectual disabilities is increasingly recognised within policy. Critically, understanding of the actual means by which this aspiration might be most sensitively and effectively met is considered weak. This paper reports on an exploratory case-study of a social enterprise community café - <i>The Usual Place</i> - that through the promotion of employability, seeks to promote resilience amongst its young 'trainees' with intellectual disabilities. Two research questions were set: \"<i>how is 'resilience' conceptualized within the organisation</i>\" and \"<i>what features within the organisation are significant in fostering resilience\"?</i> We identify a range of significant features associated with being able to successfully foster resilience - the need for a foundational 'whole organisation'(settings) approach based on high levels of participation and choice; the negotiation of a constructive dynamic tension between 'support' and 'exposure'; and the embedding of these actions in embodied actions and day-to-day organisational activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"549-566"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11059839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9253277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-01-11DOI: 10.1177/17446295221148791
Gavin W Watts, Eric J López, Mariya T Davis
Since the inception of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in 2008, there has been an increase in the number of post-secondary education institutions in the United States that have established inclusive postsecondary programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities to attend college and achieve higher levels of employment. Previous studies have investigated the development and outcomes of these programs, however, less has been explored related to professors' experiences and perceptions regarding this unique student population, particularly within Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). The current study focused on professors teaching inclusive courses within a new Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program at a HSI and aimed to identify their perceptions and experiences related to instructing students with intellectual disabilities. Six professors participated in pre- and post-semester in-depth interviews. Findings from applied thematic analysis included: (a) barriers to success; (b) academic supports and strategies; (c) successful outcomes and (d) considerations for future, related programming.
{"title":"<i>\"The change was as big as night and day\"</i>: Experiences of professors teaching students with intellectual disabilities.","authors":"Gavin W Watts, Eric J López, Mariya T Davis","doi":"10.1177/17446295221148791","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295221148791","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since the inception of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in 2008, there has been an increase in the number of post-secondary education institutions in the United States that have established inclusive postsecondary programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities to attend college and achieve higher levels of employment. Previous studies have investigated the development and outcomes of these programs, however, less has been explored related to professors' experiences and perceptions regarding this unique student population, particularly within Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). The current study focused on professors teaching inclusive courses within a new Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program at a HSI and aimed to identify their perceptions and experiences related to instructing students with intellectual disabilities. Six professors participated in pre- and post-semester in-depth interviews. Findings from applied thematic analysis included: (a) barriers to success; (b) academic supports and strategies; (c) successful outcomes and (d) considerations for future, related programming.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"295-314"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10520742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-01-28DOI: 10.1177/17446295231154119
Arvid Nikolai Kildahl, Hanne Weie Oddli, Sissel Berge Helverschou
Influence from bias is unavoidable in clinical decision-making, and mental health assessment seems particularly vulnerable. Individuals with intellectual disabilities have increased risk of developing co-occurring mental disorder. Due to the inherent difficulties associated with intellectual disabilities, assessment of mental health in this population often relies on a different set of strategies, and it is unclear how these may affect risk of bias. In this theoretical paper, we apply recent conceptualisations of bias in clinical decision-making to the specific challenges and strategies in mental health assessment in intellectual disabilities. We suggest that clinical decision-making in these assessments is particularly vulnerable to bias, including sources of bias present in mental health assessment in the general population, as well as potential sources of bias which may be specific to assessments in this population. It follows that to manage potential bias, triangulating information from multi-informant, multi-method, interdisciplinary assessment strategies is likely to be necessary.
{"title":"Bias in assessment of co-occurring mental disorder in individuals with intellectual disabilities: Theoretical perspectives and implications for clinical practice.","authors":"Arvid Nikolai Kildahl, Hanne Weie Oddli, Sissel Berge Helverschou","doi":"10.1177/17446295231154119","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295231154119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Influence from bias is unavoidable in clinical decision-making, and mental health assessment seems particularly vulnerable. Individuals with intellectual disabilities have increased risk of developing co-occurring mental disorder. Due to the inherent difficulties associated with intellectual disabilities, assessment of mental health in this population often relies on a different set of strategies, and it is unclear how these may affect risk of bias. In this theoretical paper, we apply recent conceptualisations of bias in clinical decision-making to the specific challenges and strategies in mental health assessment in intellectual disabilities. We suggest that clinical decision-making in these assessments is particularly vulnerable to bias, including sources of bias present in mental health assessment in the general population, as well as potential sources of bias which may be specific to assessments in this population. It follows that to manage potential bias, triangulating information from multi-informant, multi-method, interdisciplinary assessment strategies is likely to be necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"393-414"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11059834/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10845929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-03-14DOI: 10.1177/17446295231163263
Kelly A Clark, Moira Konrad, David W Test
Previous research has identified UPGRADE Your Performance as a method for teaching employment soft skills to students with disabilities. UPGRADE Your Performance instruction is a multicomponent intervention including self-evaluation, self-graphing, goal setting, and technology-aided instruction. This pilot study investigated the generalized effects of UPGRADE Your Performance on soft skills of secondary students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities participating in an 18-21 transition program located on a university campus. Results indicated that when students improved in two targeted soft skill areas, generalization occurred to three non-targeted soft skill areas. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are included.
先前的研究发现,UPGRADE Your Performance 是一种向残疾学生传授就业软技能的方法。UPGRADE Your Performance 教学是一种多成分干预措施,包括自我评估、自我图表、目标设定和技术辅助教学。这项试点研究调查了 "UPGRADE Your Performance "对智力和其他发育障碍中学生软技能的普遍影响,这些学生参加了一个位于大学校园内的 18-21 岁过渡项目。研究结果表明,当学生在两个目标软技能领域有所提高时,他们在三个非目标软技能领域也得到了普遍提高。本研究还包括对实践的启示和对未来研究的建议。
{"title":"The effects of UPGRADE your performance on employment soft skills of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A pilot study of generalization.","authors":"Kelly A Clark, Moira Konrad, David W Test","doi":"10.1177/17446295231163263","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295231163263","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous research has identified <i>UPGRADE Your Performance</i> as a method for teaching employment soft skills to students with disabilities. <i>UPGRADE Your Performance</i> instruction is a multicomponent intervention including self-evaluation, self-graphing, goal setting, and technology-aided instruction. This pilot study investigated the generalized effects of <i>UPGRADE Your Performance</i> on soft skills of secondary students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities participating in an 18-21 transition program located on a university campus. Results indicated that when students improved in two targeted soft skill areas, generalization occurred to three non-targeted soft skill areas. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are included.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"478-498"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9465818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-03-21DOI: 10.1177/17446295231163921
Patrick T Wilson, Marni Johnson Martin
Special Olympics promotes the health of their athletes year-round and offers their athletes options to obtain free health screenings. Following screening events, athletes often have difficulties finding needed referral care. Obstacles to finding a healthcare provider (HCP) for a referral is what necessitates the need for a state-wide HCP referral list in South Dakota. Creation of a HCP referral list was done via an online two-part survey and sent to HCPs throughout the state of South Dakota. Currently, this is the only database of healthcare providers that is accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that are members of Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD). While the created referral list offers increased opportunities to access HCPs in South Dakota, there are still limits to ensuring easy access to HCPs throughout the entire state.
{"title":"Health challenges in South Dakota: Creation of healthcare provider referral list for Special Olympic athletes.","authors":"Patrick T Wilson, Marni Johnson Martin","doi":"10.1177/17446295231163921","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295231163921","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Special Olympics promotes the health of their athletes year-round and offers their athletes options to obtain free health screenings. Following screening events, athletes often have difficulties finding needed referral care. Obstacles to finding a healthcare provider (HCP) for a referral is what necessitates the need for a state-wide HCP referral list in South Dakota. Creation of a HCP referral list was done via an online two-part survey and sent to HCPs throughout the state of South Dakota. Currently, this is the only database of healthcare providers that is accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that are members of Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD). While the created referral list offers increased opportunities to access HCPs in South Dakota, there are still limits to ensuring easy access to HCPs throughout the entire state.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"415-433"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9156078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-03-16DOI: 10.1177/17446295231164662
Sarah L Curtiss, Melissa Stoffers
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face barriers to accessing sex education, including a lack of professional ownership over providing sex education. Limited information exists regarding educator training background, funding structure, and who they serve. We interviewed 58 sex educators of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We integrated thematic analysis and composite narratives to identify service models and the benefits and challenges associated with them. We identified seven service delivery models: clinic-based board-certified behavior analysis; mental health therapists; small businesses; public health not-for-profits; disability programs; high school-based educators; and university-based educators; and three themes that addressed the strengths and challenges of these service models: Instructional Implications of the Short-term, Drop-in Approach; Getting on the Same Page; and Questioning Who Should Teach Sex Education. Understanding these typologies and their strengths and challenges provide insights into how we can build capacity for sex education services.
{"title":"Service models for providing sex education to individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States.","authors":"Sarah L Curtiss, Melissa Stoffers","doi":"10.1177/17446295231164662","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295231164662","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face barriers to accessing sex education, including a lack of professional ownership over providing sex education. Limited information exists regarding educator training background, funding structure, and who they serve. We interviewed 58 sex educators of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We integrated thematic analysis and composite narratives to identify service models and the benefits and challenges associated with them. We identified seven service delivery models: clinic-based board-certified behavior analysis; mental health therapists; small businesses; public health not-for-profits; disability programs; high school-based educators; and university-based educators; and three themes that addressed the strengths and challenges of these service models: Instructional Implications of the Short-term, Drop-in Approach; Getting on the Same Page; and Questioning Who Should Teach Sex Education. Understanding these typologies and their strengths and challenges provide insights into how we can build capacity for sex education services.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"434-452"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9122567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2024-01-21DOI: 10.1177/17446295241228897
Ozlem Altindag Kumas, Adile Emel Sardohan Yıldırım
This study assessed the effectiveness of a program aimed at improving the early numeracy skills of students with moderate intellectual disability. The persistence of the acquired skills and the program's impact on learning were monitored. Feedback from the students and their mothers was also gathered. Using a multiple-probe design across subjects, the results were visually presented through graphical analysis. Three male students aged 8-9 years participated. After obtaining high-reliability findings from reliability analyses, results showed the program effectively increased students' number skills with a high effect size. These skills persisted post-intervention, and both students and mothers expressed positive views of the intervention.
{"title":"Development of early numeracy skills in children with moderate intellectual disability.","authors":"Ozlem Altindag Kumas, Adile Emel Sardohan Yıldırım","doi":"10.1177/17446295241228897","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295241228897","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study assessed the effectiveness of a program aimed at improving the early numeracy skills of students with moderate intellectual disability. The persistence of the acquired skills and the program's impact on learning were monitored. Feedback from the students and their mothers was also gathered. Using a multiple-probe design across subjects, the results were visually presented through graphical analysis. Three male students aged 8-9 years participated. After obtaining high-reliability findings from reliability analyses, results showed the program effectively increased students' number skills with a high effect size. These skills persisted post-intervention, and both students and mothers expressed positive views of the intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"343-358"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139513871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-03-31DOI: 10.1177/17446295231168293
F Bösebeck, H Worthmann, C Möller, C Konrad
During the COVID-19 pandemic, drastic measures to interrupt SARS-CoV-2 infection chains were implemented. In our study we investigated the consequences of pandemic related restrictions on the social, psychological, and physical well-being of institutionalized adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Methods: Online survey among professional caregivers in 71 residential groups, caring for 848 residents. Findings: (i.) A lack of participation concerning infection protection measures of the residents, their relatives, and their caregivers; (ii.) A 20% increase in doctor contacts during the pandemic; (iii.) A considerable deterioration in at least one item of the subdomains mood (49%), everyday skills (51%), social interaction (29%), exercise and coordination skills (12%), behavior (11%) and cognition and communication (7%); (iv.) A deterioration of the overall condition in 41%; Summery: Intensive attempts should be made to find individual and less categorical contra-infectious measures without questioning the basic everyday needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
{"title":"The social, psychological, and physical impact of COVID-19 restrictions for institutionalized adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.","authors":"F Bösebeck, H Worthmann, C Möller, C Konrad","doi":"10.1177/17446295231168293","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295231168293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, drastic measures to interrupt SARS-CoV-2 infection chains were implemented. In our study we investigated the consequences of pandemic related restrictions on the social, psychological, and physical well-being of institutionalized adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. <b>Methods:</b> Online survey among professional caregivers in 71 residential groups, caring for 848 residents. <b>Findings:</b> (i.) A lack of participation concerning infection protection measures of the residents, their relatives, and their caregivers; (ii.) A 20% increase in doctor contacts during the pandemic; (iii.) A considerable deterioration in at least one item of the subdomains mood (49%), everyday skills (51%), social interaction (29%), exercise and coordination skills (12%), behavior (11%) and cognition and communication (7%); (iv.) A deterioration of the overall condition in 41%; <b>Summery:</b> Intensive attempts should be made to find individual and less categorical contra-infectious measures without questioning the basic everyday needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"567-577"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10067708/pdf/10.1177_17446295231168293.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9611545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2023-04-11DOI: 10.1177/17446295231169379
Brianna Piro-Gambetti, Emily K Schworer, Benjamin Handen, Masha Glukhovskaya, Sigan L Hartley
Adults with Down syndrome (DS) experience high risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but there is variability in the timing of transition from a cognitively stable state to prodromal AD and dementia. The present study examined the association between a modifiable lifestyle factor, employment complexity, and cognitive decline across two time points in adults with DS. Employment complexity, defined as the degree of problem-solving or critical thinking required for employment activities, was operationalized using the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, a system which classifies occupations based on three categories: Data, People, and Things. Eighty-seven adults with DS (M = 36.28 years, SD = 6.90 years) were included in analyses. Partial correlations revealed that lower employment complexity involving People and Things were associated with increased dementia symptoms. Lower employment complexity involving Things was also associated with memory decline. These findings have implications for vocational programs focused on job training and placement for adults with DS.
{"title":"Does Employment Complexity Promote Healthy Cognitive Aging in Down Syndrome?","authors":"Brianna Piro-Gambetti, Emily K Schworer, Benjamin Handen, Masha Glukhovskaya, Sigan L Hartley","doi":"10.1177/17446295231169379","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17446295231169379","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adults with Down syndrome (DS) experience high risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but there is variability in the timing of transition from a cognitively stable state to prodromal AD and dementia. The present study examined the association between a modifiable lifestyle factor, employment complexity, and cognitive decline across two time points in adults with DS. Employment complexity, defined as the degree of problem-solving or critical thinking required for employment activities, was operationalized using the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, a system which classifies occupations based on three categories: <i>Data, People, and Things</i>. Eighty-seven adults with DS (M = 36.28 years, SD = 6.90 years) were included in analyses. Partial correlations revealed that lower employment complexity involving <i>People</i> and <i>Things</i> were associated with increased dementia symptoms. Lower employment complexity involving <i>Things</i> was also associated with memory decline. These findings have implications for vocational programs focused on job training and placement for adults with DS.</p>","PeriodicalId":46904,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual Disabilities","volume":" ","pages":"499-513"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10564966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9669935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}