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(1) Background: Participation in daily activities is critical for a child's health, development and wellbeing and is considered a main outcome measure of intervention efficiency. Atopic diseases affect children's daily life and routines but the knowledge about impacts on participation is limited. (2) Objectives: a. to profile the preference to participate in daily activities of children with atopic diseases as compared to healthy controls; b. to profile sensory modulation difficulties (SMD) in each atopic group; c. to examine whether SMD correlate with activity preference. (3) Methods: This cross-section and correlative study included 253 children aged 4–11: 37 with Asthma, 37 with atopic dermatitis (AD), and 31 with Rhinitis. The controls were 148 healthy children. All children completed the Preference for Activities of Children (PAC) while their parents completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). (4) Results: Children with atopic diseases showed significantly lower preference to participate in activities than healthy controls and preferred quiet activities that can be performed alone. Within the atopic groups, children with AD, and specifically girls, had the highest activity preference while boys with Asthma had the lowest preference. SMD was significantly more prevalent in children with atopic diseases and correlated with their reduced preference to participate in activities. (5) Conclusions: Atopic diseases may restrict children's participation. Clinicians should evaluate participation of children with atopic diseases and examine whether comorbidities as SMD affect participation. Understanding the implications on children's daily life may improve intervention efficiency and elevate development and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood hearing loss is a common chronic condition that may have a broad impact on children's communication and motor and cognitive development, resulting in functional challenges and decreased quality of life (QoL). Objectives: This pilot study aimed to compare executive functions (EFs) as expressed in daily life and QoL between deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) children and children with typical hearing. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between EFs and QoL in D/HH children. Methods: The participants were 76 children aged 7–11 yr: 38 D/HH and 38 with typical hearing. Parents completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), while the child performed a shopping task in the virtual action planning supermarket (VAP-S) to reflect the use of EFs in daily activity. Results: D/HH children showed significantly poorer EFs (as measured by BRIEF and VAP-S) and reduced QoL. Difficulties in EFs were correlated with lower QoL. BRIEF scores were significant predictors of QoL domains. Conclusions: Difficulties in EFs may characterize children with D/HH and reduce their QoL. Therefore, EFs should be screened and treated. VAP-S and BRIEF are feasible tools for evaluating EFs that reflect children's challenges due to EF difficulties in real-life contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teachers in general education are expected to cope with students with diverse needs. They might not always be ready or sufficiently supported to meet these challenges. The current study aims at identifying child, teacher and environmental barriers to inclusion. Specifically it addresses the importance of preschool teachers' attitudes as the human environment factor that may facilitate inclusion of children with disability, and teachers' major concerns about environmental accommodations that inclusion implies. The study assessed how teachers' attitudes towards inclusion of children with disability are affected by the teachers' personal characteristics and are related to the accommodations they deem necessary for admission of such children to their kindergartens. It also examined whether the teachers' attitudes and requirements for accommodations differ in respect of four groups of children's disabilities: learning disabilities, sensory/motor disabilities, ADHD, and emotional disabilities. Fifty-three preschool teachers completed the Attitudes toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATDP-A) and the Environmental Accommodations of School (EAS), which was designed especially for this study (Appendix 1). The teachers' requirements proved to correlate with various teachers' characteristics such as age, experience, education and personal contact with disability. Teacher's requirements for accommodations also highly correlated with environmental working conditions (e.g., working hours, number of children). Teachers were most concerned about accommodations for children with potential behavior problems. Implications for practice and education are discussed. (Contains 3 tables.)

The study examined whether atypical sensory processing (ASP) deteriorate executive function (EFs), anxiety and quality of life (QoL) of children with ADHD. Participants were 28 boys with ADHD; 31 with ADHD + ASP; 56 with typical development. Parents completed the Short Sensory Profile (SSP); BRIEF; RCMAS (anxiety) and PedsQoL. Boys with ADHD + ASP had the lowest EFs, highest anxiety and lowest QoL. ASP predicted lower social QoL; Anxiety predicted lower emotional QoL; reduced EFs predicted lower school QoL. ASP in ADHD may increase anxiety, reduce EFs and QoL. ASP should be screened with respect to child's cognitive/emotional status and daily function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the study were to analyze: (1) whether significant differences exist between children with typical development and children with developmental coordination disorders (DCD) in their preference to participate in leisure activities (2) whether the teacher estimation of activity form (TEAF) evaluation predicts participation preference. Participants were 68 children, aged 6-9.83 years, 35 diagnosed as DCD by pediatrician and based on the Movement ABC (M-ABC) and 33 children with typical development. The controls were matched by age and gender to the DCD group. The children filled the preference for activities of children (PAC) and their sport teacher completed the TEAF. Significant differences were found between the groups in their participation preference based on the PAC items and subscales as well as in the TEAF scores. Significant correlations were found between the TEAF and PAC subscales. TEAF score significantly predicted children's preference to participate in leisure activities. Study results recommend using the TEAF for screening DCD and to further consider participation issues among children with DCD as a preventive aid for consequently socio-emotional implications of DCD. (Contains 6 tables.)

Difficulty in executive functions (EF) is a core symptom of ADHD. Yet, the EF assessments are still in controversy. It is still unclear whether the everyday implementation of EF can be assessed under laboratory conditions. Therefore, the purposes of the present study are: (a) to examine EF among boys with ADHD both in everyday behavior (as reported by parents) and in a performance-based test. (b) To examine correlations between the two tests. Both the Behavior Assessment of Dysexecutive Functions for Children (BADS-C) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) were independently applied to 25 boys aged 8-11 years with ADHD and 25 age-matched typical boys. Results of the two assessments were compared between the two groups to indicate differences in EF. Correlations between the two assessments for all participants were evaluated. Overall, significant differences in EF were found between the two groups on both assessments. Significant correlations were found between BADS-C and BRIEF, specifically in metacognition but not in behavioral regulation. Findings indicate that poor EF manifests itself in everyday behavior. These difficulties are found in metacognitive and behavioral regulation components. Nevertheless, applying a valid ecological assessment of behavior regulation merits future research. (Contains 3 tables.)

Sensory processing difficulties (SPD) are prevalent among children with ADHD. Yet, the question whether different SPD characterize children with different types of ADHD has not received enough attention in the literature. The current study characterized sensory processing difficulties (SPD) of children with different types of ADHD and explored the relationship between SPD and leisure activity preference. Participants were 58 boys aged 6-10 years: 29 boys with ADHD: 15 with hyperactive-impulsive type and 14 characterized as inattentive. The controls were 29 typical peers. SPD were evaluated by The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) completed by the parents. Participants answered the preference for activities of children (PAC). According the results, SPD were manifested among children with both ADHD types. Children with both ADHD types showed significantly lower preference to participate in leisure activities than the controls. Their lower preference correlated with SPD. The findings suggest that children with different ADHD types may share common SPD, which may negatively impact their activity preference. In this study it seemed that children with ADD were more vulnerable to these impacts. SPD and participation should be considered in evaluation and intervention programs for children with ADHD in order to focus on child's abilities, needs and preferences, and enhance intervention success, child's relationships with peers and child's well-being.

High frequency of sensory processing dysfunctions (SPD) is prevalent among children with intellectual developmental disabilities and contributes to their maladaptive behaviors. However, the knowledge about the expressions of SPD in different levels of IDD severity is limited. As SPD may reduce adaptive responses and limit participation, this knowledge should be elaborated. The purpose of the present study was to examine the specific expressions of sensory processing among children with different severity levels of IDD. Participants were 91 children aged 4-9 years with mild, moderate severe-profound and IDD. Their parents completed the short sensory profile (SSP). According the results, SPD were manifested across all levels of IDD. Groups differed in specific behaviors related to sensory stimuli. The highest percentage of children with severe sensory processing difficulties was found among children with mild and severe IDD level. SPD may characterize children with all severity levels of IDD. Nevertheless, the probability that children with a specific IDD level will be more vulnerable to specific aspects of SPD emphasizes the need for early evaluation and intervention to address the specific sensory needs of children with different IDD levels. This may enhance their development, performance and participation in daily living. (Contains 3 tables.)

Nutrition, essential in the daily living functions promoting life quality of persons with intellectual developmental deficits (IDD), is adversely affected by the highly prevalent eating problems in these persons. The current study explores the characteristics of eating problems in population of children with intellectual developmental disorders. We elaborate existing knowledge on the relationship of severity of eating/feeding disorders and intellectual handicap level in children who suffer from IDD. This study investigated differences in the kind of these disorders observed in children with IDD on three levels: mild, moderate, and severe/profound. Ninety-one children aged 4-9 participated in this study: 25 had mild IDD, 32 moderate IDD, and 34 severe/profound IDD. Feeding/eating functions were examined with the screening tool of eating problems (STEP) which was used as the main dependent measure (Matson & Kuhn, 2001). Results suggest that the prevalence of eating problems is higher than previously reported in the literature. Eating/feeding problems proved prevalent across all levels, in almost all of those with IDD, but certain categories of problems (i.e., skills and aspiration risk) are more prevalent among the group falling within the severe/profound range of intellectual disability. This finding makes a new important experimental contribution, suggesting that everyday functions such as eating/feeding be examined in all children with IDD and that clinical differences be considered in light of categorization according to IDD level. Results are discussed in light of the need to consider its implications for practice. (Contains 3 tables.)

Participation is recognized as a key to one's health and well-being and is considered to be a vital part of the development of children and youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the participation patterns of children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in their out-of-school-time (OST) activities, and to see whether there is a relationship between the children's motor abilities and their choices and participation. Methods: 50 children (5-7 years old), 25 who met diagnostic criteria of DCD and 25 without DCD, completed the Children Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) and were administered the Motor Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI). Results: A relationship was found between participation patterns and motor ability. Children with DCD had limited participation diversity in which they participated less frequently, and chose activities that were quieter and more socially isolated compared to children without DCD; there were no differences in their levels of enjoyment. Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the importance of looking at the children's participation from a broad perspective, and the many difficulties children with DCD experience in OST participation. Future studies might consider other factors (e.g., environment) while examining participation among children with DCD. (Contains 4 tables.)

The objective of this study was to examine the applicability of the short sensory profile (SSP) for screening sensory processing disorders (SPDs) among typical children in Israel, and to evaluate the relationship between SPDs and socio-demographic parameters. Participants were 395 Israeli children, aged 3 years to 10 years 11 months, with typical development. Parents of all children completed the SSP. Factor analysis found similarity between the Hebrew version of the SSP and the original SSP. About 15% of the children had SPD. Differences between age groups and sexes were found in several SSP sections. In conclusion, typical children may have SPD. The SSP may be appropriate for screening SPD among Israeli children. These results should be strengthened by additional studies conducted on children with typical development as well as children with disabilities in which sensory processing problems are involved.

Cognitive performance is essential for children's functioning and may also predict school readiness. The suitability of Western standardized assessments for cognitive performance among children from different cultures needs to be elaborated. This study referred to the existence of differences in cognitive performance between and within children from the middle-east--Israeli and Palestinian on the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA), by elucidating cultural effects on the construct validity of the LOTCA using factor analysis. Participants included 101 Israeli and 125 Palestinian children from kindergarten, first and second grade who underwent the LOTCA. Factor analysis revealed four factors underlying items on the LOTCA, explaining the differences found between Israeli and Palestinian children in most of LOTCA subtests. Culture may affect the construct validity of the LOTCA and may explain the difference in performance between both cultural groups. LOTCA's validity as well as the validity of other instruments on which norms and decisions regarding the child's development and performance are made should be further evaluated among children from different cultural backgrounds. (Contains 3 tables.)

ADHD is a neural developmental disorder expressed in various life settings. Yet, previous studies have focused mainly on children's function in school and academic achievement. The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to examine participation patterns in outside formal school activities among boys with ADHD compared to typical boys. Participants included 25 boys aged 8-11 years with ADHD and 25 age-matched typical boys. All participants completed the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). Several aspects of participation were examined: diversity, intensity, enjoyment, place, and partners in 49 extra curricular activities. The findings indicate that boys with ADHD reported significant lower intensity rates of participation in most activity domains. Furthermore, boys with ADHD also reported higher diversity scores and lower enjoyment in "formal" activities. Yet, no significant differences were found with regard to activity place and partners. These findings enhance the importance of providing therapy that refers to after school activities. Accordingly, CAPE can be useful for assessing boys with ADHD and planning appropriate intervention programs. (Contains 2 tables.)

Children with autism may have atypical sensory processing abilities, which are known to impact child's performance and participation. However, lack of information exists regarding the expression of these abilities in specific groups on the spectrum, as children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). This study aimed to characterize the sensory processing abilities of children with HFASD and examine their relationship to participation in leisure activities. Participants were 50 children aged 6-11 years: 25 children with HFASD and 25 with typical development. Sensory processing abilities were examined by the short sensory profile (SSP). Participation was assessed by the children's assessment of participation and enjoyment (CAPE). Children with HFASD had atypical sensory processing abilities. They also had lower participation in leisure activities expressed in limited range of activities, performed less often, mainly alone and at home. Their atypical sensory processing patterns were correlated with lower participation, specifically in social, physical and informal activities. In conclusion, children with HFASD may have atypical sensory processing abilities and restricted participation. Intervention should refer to each of these parameters and to the relationship between them in order to enable optimal inclusion of children with HFASD in society. (Contains 6 tables.)

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC) is one of the most accepted tools, both in clinical practice and in research, for the diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCDs) in children. The present study aimed to: (1) establish the construct validity of M-ABC in Israel by comparing the motor performance of typically developed children in four age groups (ranging from 6 to 12 years) and (2) examine the impact of socio-demographic parameters on children's motor performance. Participants were 249 typical children, between 4.1 and 12.08 years old, whose motor performance was evaluated by the M-ABC. The results showed that age, gender, mother's education level, and socioeconomic status had an impact on children's motor performance. Thus, the M-ABC may serve as a suitable tool for examining the motor performance of children in Israel. This examination should also refer to socio-demographic factors in order to shed light on the contribution of environmental disadvantages to children's motor performance. (Contains 4 tables.)

To identify variables that contribute to fall risk in older adults, this study examined the relationship between fall risk, sensory processing, participation in daily activities, and quality of life (QoL). Of the 123 participants, those at high-risk were significantly less able to register sensory input and had increased sensory sensitivity, restricted participation and overall lower QoL. Altered sensory processing was related with risk of falling. Additionally, both sensory process and fall risk were subsequently related with lower daily participation and, together, were related with lower QoL. Thus, sensory processing, participation and QoL assessments need to be included in occupational therapy evaluations and interventions for fall risk among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation is an important measure of disorder severity. Although posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often causes functional impairment, the literature about challenges in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) among adults with PTSD appears limited. To describe the encountered challenges according to the existing literature, a systematic search identified 20 articles published between 1995 and 2021. These studies described various limitations on ADL among adults with PTSD, mostly (60%) in broad terms; thus, failing to identify the exact challenging domains. This review discusses the need for research and clinical practice to systematically evaluate basic and instrumental ADL in PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]