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Paediatrics research

Everything we have read on paediatrics. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

2,466 PAPERS · PAGE 27 OF 50 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSLPCohort2023Six- and 12-month functional outcomes among patients with confirmed acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) with onset in 2018, United States.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineMost children with acute flaccid myelitis still need help with daily tasks at 6 and 12 months. While some show slight improvement or adaptation, severe limb weakness and dependence on assistance remain common. Early rehabilitation is critical, but outcomes vary by acute illness severity.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023"It is something that gives us hope": Lived experience among parents to children with cerebral palsy who are non-ambulant of the phenomenon physical activity, with or without the use of a novel dynamic standing device.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesParents described the Innowalk as their only option for daily exercise, bringing hope by allowing their non-ambulant children to be independent. However, using the device relied heavily on finding supportive staff and accessible environments to manage the burden.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023Participation, challenges and needs in children with down syndrome during cancer treatment at hospital: a qualitative study of parents' experiences.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesParents of children with Down syndrome and leukemia acted as essential interpreters for their children's symptoms, which were often hidden by behavioral changes or silence. Clinicians should rely on parental expertise to detect pain and distress, ensuring children are prepared for procedures to maintain trust.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022The role of intellectual disability with autism spectrum disorder and the documented cooccurring conditions: A population-based study.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchChildren with autism and intellectual disability were more likely to have documented neurological conditions and general developmental delays, but less likely to have recorded diagnoses for ADHD, anxiety, or learning disorders compared to those without intellectual disability.
• PTOTOther2023Cross-cultural validation of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life questionnaire: the ISYQOL international.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineThe 16-item ISYQOL International measures quality of life in adolescents with scoliosis reliably across seven countries and languages. It removes four problematic items from the original version, providing a valid, cross-culturally equivalent tool for clinical assessment.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023Factors influencing participation in home, school, and community settings by children and adolescents with neuromuscular disorders: A qualitative descriptive study.Developmental medicine and child neurologyChildren with neuromuscular disorders valued decision-making and planning as participation, even when they could not perform tasks. They relied on adapted equipment and peer inclusion to maintain confidence, while inaccessible community spaces caused withdrawal.
• PTOTSLPPilot2023Mental health problems among transition-aged youth with physical disabilities: an initial evaluation.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesMost transition-aged youth with physical disabilities reported mental health risks, particularly in self-esteem and somatization. Females and those with more functional issues were significantly more likely to score in the at-risk range. Screening for these specific areas is warranted.
• OTSLPQualitative2023A preliminary exploration of different coping strategies used by Korean immigrant parents of autistic children in high versus low family quality of life ratings.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceKorean immigrant parents with high family quality of life actively sought information and community support to reduce guilt and build hope. Parents with low quality of life faced language barriers, felt isolated, and struggled with stigma and denial. This describes experiences, not proven treatments.
• OTSLPOther2023Maladaptive behaviors in children with autism and parental hopelessness: The moderating role of parental reflective functioning.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchChildren’s maladaptive behaviors, especially autism-specific symptoms like tics or ignoring others, predicted higher parental hopelessness. This link was strongest in parents with lower reflective functioning, meaning those who struggle to interpret their child’s behavior through mental states were most at risk.
• OTCase-Control2023Mammillary body abnormalities and cognitive outcomes in children cooled for neonatal encephalopathy.Developmental medicine and child neurologyAmong cooled children without cerebral palsy, 11 of 32 had mammillary body abnormalities on MRI, and these children scored lower on all cognitive domains than controls and cooled children without abnormalities.
• PTOTCase Report2023Case report: training neck and head control in children with chronic paralysis due to acute flaccid myelitis.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThree children with chronic paralysis from acute flaccid myelitis gained head control through intensive activity-based therapy. They progressed from needing passive head support to holding their heads upright for one to two minutes. This shows recovery is possible, but does not prove the treatment works for others.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Sleep problems in autism: Sex differences in the school-age population.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchAutistic girls had the highest rates of sleep problems, affecting 84.4% compared to 65.8% of autistic boys and about 43% of typically developing children. Anxiety predicted poor sleep in boys, but not in girls.
• OTSLPOther2023Predictors of individual differences in minimally verbal peer communication exchanges following peer-oriented social intervention.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchChildren with higher baseline social communication difficulties or restricted behaviors showed less progress in peer interactions. However, those with greater sensory or executive challenges sometimes improved more with intervention, suggesting specific barriers might respond well to structured peer support.
• PTOTQualitative2023Participation in everyday life for young people with chronic pain in Saudi Arabia: "you feel lacking in life and you feel that time is flying by".Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesYoung people with chronic pain described pain as a heavy burden that limited walking, sleep, mood, concentration, and social contact. They tried to keep daily life going with medication, distraction, rest, family help, and avoiding triggers.
• PTOTCohort2023Rural-urban disparities in healthcare factors and long-term health outcomes in individuals with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesAdults with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury living in rural areas reported more pressure injuries, urinary tract infections, bowel incontinence, hospitalizations, and sleep difficulties than their urban counterparts. They also faced lower employment and insurance rates. However, there were no differences in depression, anxiety, or life satisfaction between the groups.
• OTSLPCohort2023The effect of medical/therapeutic clowns on the playfulness of children with intellectual disabilities.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDChildren with intellectual disabilities showed increased observed playfulness after weekly medical clown sessions. Those who received the intervention for six months improved more than those who received it for three months. Teachers reported children initiating play and engaging more with peers.
• PTOTCohort2023Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait Among Adolescent Athletes with Concussion When Performing a Visuospatial Cognitive Task.International journal of sports physical therapyAdolescent athletes with concussion showed varied gait deficits during a dual-task test. Females in the acute phase had high rates of abnormal dual-task cost, while males showed fewer. Chronic cases still displayed deficits in some individuals, suggesting symptom resolution alone may not ensure safe return to play.
• OTSLPCohort2023How do autistic people fare in adult life and can we predict it from childhood?Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchOnly 5% of autistic young adults lived independently, and many needed support from family or services. Childhood IQ and adaptive skills could forecast living situation and employment, but not mental health or friendships.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Resting energy expenditure in adolescents with Down syndrome: a comparison of commonly used predictive equations.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRThe Institute of Medicine equation accurately predicted resting energy expenditure in adolescents with Down syndrome, matching measured values. Other common equations overestimated or underestimated needs by up to 140 kcal per day. Use IOM for weight management, but monitor individual responses carefully.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Implementing the Get SET Early Model in a Community Setting to Lower the Age of ASD Diagnosis.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPImplementing the Get SET model in community pediatric practices lowered the average age of autism diagnosis to 22.9 months. Screening tool use rose from 15% to 74%, and referrals increased from 24% to 79%. However, only 22% of diagnosed children started ABA therapy.
• OTOther2022Parents' and Therapists' Satisfaction with Four Early Childhood Power Mobility Devices.Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Revue canadienne d'ergotherapieParents and therapists were generally satisfied with four power mobility devices after a single trial, but satisfaction varied by device. After a 6-month loan, parent satisfaction decreased slightly but remained high, while therapist satisfaction stayed stable.
• OTSurvey2022Executive functions and household chores: Does engagement in chores predict children's cognition?Australian occupational therapy journalChildren who do more self-care and family-care chores, like making their own meal or helping with dishes, show better working memory and inhibition. Pet-care chores did not predict these cognitive skills. This is an association, not proof that chores cause better executive function.
• OTQualitative2022Healthy Mothers Healthy Families, Health Promoting Activity Coaching for mothers of children with a disability: Exploring mothers' perspectives of programme feasibility.Australian occupational therapy journalMothers of children with disabilities valued brief health coaching from their child's OT, feeling 'seen' rather than just a caregiver. They found the accountability helpful but noted the programme required their own effort to change habits, and did not replace medical care.
• OTQualitative2023Autistic Adult Perspectives on Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children and Youth.OTJR : occupation, participation and healthAutistic adults advise therapists to stop trying to make children appear neurotypical. They want support for self-advocacy, bodily autonomy, and changing environments or tasks to fit the child, rather than using behavioral strategies to force compliance.
• OTSLPQualitative2023"I think it impacts all areas of his life": Perspectives on hearing from mothers of individuals with Down syndrome.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDMothers reported background noise and fluctuating hearing loss as the primary barriers to communication for their children with Down syndrome. Strategies included reducing auditory and visual distractions, ensuring amplification use, and maintaining direct eye contact.
• PTOTCase-Control2023Children With Cerebral Palsy Show Higher Static-But Not Higher Dynamic-Motor Fatigability in Grip and Pinch Tasks Than Children With Typical Development Do.Physical therapyChildren with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy lost more strength while holding a grip or pinch as hard as possible, especially in the nonpreferred hand. They did not show more fatigue during repeated squeeze tasks than typical children.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Mental health services and resources for children with developmental disabilities and their families: scan of local practices, gaps, and opportunities created.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesA scan of Montreal-area mental health services for children with developmental disabilities found they are hard to access. Most require referrals, have waitlists, or restrict age and location, and few offer follow-up care. Services often target the child but ignore the family unit.
• OTSLPOther2022Brainstem white matter microstructure is associated with hyporesponsiveness and overall sensory features in autistic children.Molecular autismIn autistic children, higher sensory features linked to lower brainstem water diffusion, while non-autistic children showed the opposite. This suggests brainstem differences in autism are distinct from typical development. These findings do not yet change clinical interventions.
• OTCohort2023Gendered play behaviours in autistic and non-autistic children: A population-based cohort study.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic boys were reported as less masculine in play than non-autistic boys from 42 months. Autistic girls did not show a clear difference. Non-autistic boys became more gendered over time, while autistic boys did not.
• OTOther2023The Mediatory Role of Executive Functioning on the Association Between Sleep and Both Everyday Memory and ADHD Symptoms in Children and Youth With Down Syndrome.American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilitiesIn children with Down syndrome, sleep problems did not directly harm memory or attention. Instead, poor sleep worsened executive functioning, which then caused everyday memory and ADHD symptoms. Addressing executive function is key.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Multidimensional motor performance in children with autism mostly remains stable with age and predicts social communication delay, language delay, functional delay, and repetitive behavior severity after accounting for intellectual disability or cognitive delay: A SPARK dataset analysis.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchMotor difficulties in children with autism remain stable from age 5 to 15. Poor motor performance predicts social, language, and functional delays even after accounting for intellectual disability. Therapists should screen for motor issues beyond early childhood and not assume delays resolve with age.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2023Agreement between children with long-term health conditions and their primary caregivers on reports of perceived participation.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesChildren with long-term health conditions reported attending fewer activities than their caregivers thought, yet rated their involvement higher in some tasks. Caregivers and children agreed on which activities mattered most, but disagreed on how much the child actually participated.
• OTQualitative2023The experience and role of mentorship for paediatric occupational therapists.Australian occupational therapy journalNovice paediatric OTs sought mentors to navigate complex caseloads and reduce isolation. They valued safe, non-judgemental relationships, often external to their workplace. Mentors helped translate theory to practice and scaffold clinical reasoning, building mentee resilience and confidence.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023FMR1 CGG Repeats and Stress Influence Self-Reported Cognitive Functioning in Mothers.American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilitiesMothers of children with disabilities and those facing recent life events reported more executive function and memory difficulties. These stress effects were independent of FMR1 CGG repeat length. Clinicians should address maternal cognitive load regardless of genetic status.
• OTCohort2023Challenging behaviour and its risk factors in children and young people in a special school setting: A four wave longitudinal study.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDAcross four time points, challenging behaviour did not show a clear trend: 58.2% met criteria at the first point, and 64% at the last. Lower adaptive skills and autism were linked to more behaviour, while profound intellectual disability was linked to less overall behaviour.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Fine motor skill and expressive language in minimally verbal and verbal school-aged autistic children.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchIn autistic children aged 4 to 7, better fine motor skills linked to clearer speech only in minimally verbal children. For all children, fine motor skills and adaptive behavior predicted longer utterances. Conversational turns depended on adaptive behavior alone, not motor skill.
• OTOther2023Confirmatory factor analysis of the BRIEF2 in a sample of youth with Down syndrome.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRParent reports of daily executive skills in children with Down syndrome grouped into linked behaviour, emotion and cognitive regulation areas. The behaviour and emotion areas were very closely related, so they may be hard to tell apart in practice.
• OTSLPOther2022Personal victimization experiences of autistic and non-autistic children.Molecular autismAutistic children were 7.77 times more likely to report bullying than non-autistic peers. Counterintuitively, autistic children with fewer social difficulties reported more bullying. Boys and girls experienced similar rates, but girls cited trouble with flexibility and emotions as causes, while boys cited social interaction challenges.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Comparing autism phenotypes in children born extremely preterm and born at term.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchChildren born extremely preterm with autism showed similar core symptoms to term-born children when observed directly. However, parents of preterm children reported fewer repetitive behaviors and stereotyped speech, a difference likely driven by lower rates of prior autism diagnosis in the preterm group.
• PTOTCase Report2023Visual rehabilitation indicating neuroplasticity in an esotropic adult patient with diplopia after sudden visual acuity loss in the non-amblyopic eye: A case report.NeuroRehabilitationA 71-year-old woman with long-standing left-eye amblyopia developed double vision after sudden vision loss in her right eye. Three months of visual training, combined with prism glasses and patching, reduced her eye turn and improved vision in the amblyopic eye.
• OTCohort2023Behavioural adjustment of children with intellectual disability and their sibling is associated with their sibling relationship quality.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRBoth siblings' behaviour links to relationship quality, not just the child with disability. Prosocial behaviour from the child with intellectual disability strongly predicted intimacy and companionship. Being younger than the sibling with disability predicted more closeness and more conflict. Parents' views matter more than the child's diagnosis.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2023Everyday life during the childhood cancer trajectory-childhood cancer survivors' descriptions of the role of caring support.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesChildhood cancer survivors rated emotional presence as the most significant aspect of care. Older survivors valued this more. Men and those treated with radiation reported lower confidence in their ability to cope. This highlights the need for tailored long-term psychosocial support.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Racial/Ethnic Differences in Psychiatric and Medical Diagnoses Among Autistic Adults.Autism in adulthoodAutistic adults had more psychiatric and medical diagnoses than non-autistic adults, but Black, Hispanic, and Asian autistic adults received fewer psychiatric diagnoses than White autistic adults. These gaps likely reflect under-detection and access barriers rather than lower actual need.
• PTOTSLPOther2022Cross-Cultural Validation of Health and Quality of Life Measures for Children in Hong Kong.Occupational therapy internationalChildren with special educational needs reported lower quality of life than peers, particularly in physical and social functioning. Parents generally agreed with their children's views, except for school performance, where parents rated it lower.
• PTOTOther2023Community-based postural control assessment in autistic individuals indicates a similar but delayed trajectory compared to neurotypical individuals.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchAutistic children and adolescents showed similar but delayed postural control development compared to neurotypical peers. They had greater sway variability and used less efficient movement strategies. This indicates persistent motor differences that do not resolve with age.
• OTCohort2023The comparison of expressed emotion of parents of individuals with fragile X syndrome to other intellectual disabilities.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDExpressed emotion did not differ between parents of children with fragile X, Down syndrome, or other intellectual disabilities. About 44% of caregivers showed high levels, driven by worry and self-sacrifice rather than criticism. Mothers reported significantly higher levels than fathers.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Abilities and Disabilities Among Children With Developmental Language Disorder.Language, speech, and hearing services in schoolsLanguage impairment severity did not predict disability. Children with DLD who accumulated multiple risks like low nonverbal IQ or poor health were more likely to be disabled, while those with one or no risks functioned well. Strengths in daily living and socialization persisted.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Problem solving and collaborative involvement among adolescents with spinal cord injury and their caregivers.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesAdolescents with spinal cord injury who perceived their caregivers as collaborative partners in their daily care showed better positive and rational problem-solving skills. This association held even when accounting for the caregivers' own problem-solving abilities.
• OTSLPOther2023Prevalence and treatment of mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders in children with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based study.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchChildren with both autism and ADHD have much higher rates of anxiety, depression, and conduct problems than those with either condition alone. Despite this, they receive behavioral treatment at similar rates to children with autism only, while nearly three-quarters take psychotropic medication.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023The Burden of COVID-19 on Caregivers of Children with Suspected Genetic Conditions: A Therapeutic Odyssey.Physical & occupational therapy in pediatricsOnly two of 25 caregivers said the pandemic interrupted their child's diagnostic search. But every caregiver needing in-person physical, occupational, speech, behavioral, or psychotherapy had trouble accessing it, and virtual therapy often left parents to do therapy without enough training.