TOPIC

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 41 OF 50 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTOther2025Musculoskeletal changes and treatments in paediatric spinal cord disorders: A scoping review.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineChildren with spinal cord disorders often lose bone and muscle, with scoliosis, hip dysplasia, spasticity and fractures. Evidence on treatments is small and mixed, so do not assume any intervention works.
• OTPilot2025Evaluation of wrist and finger function in healthy children through music-based video game therapy.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationIn healthy children, background music during wrist and finger video games made movements more consistent but did not improve game scores. Ten children rated the glove and games as satisfying and reported that music helped them concentrate and relax.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2025Assessing and Managing Agitation During Early Recovery in Children With Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Australia: A National Survey.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationMost Australian clinicians managing agitated children with brain injury use general recovery scales, not agitation-specific tools. They rely on environmental changes and individualized care, with family education key. Practice varies widely, and formal training on agitation management is often lacking.
• PTOTCohort2025Longitudinal interaction between muscle impairments and gait pathology in growing children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationWeakness in the hips and knees tracked closely with specific changes in walking patterns over time. This confirms that anterior pelvic tilt links to hip weakness, while tiptoeing links to knee weakness. Preserving these strengths may delay the need for compensatory movements.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Sex Differences in Autistic Youth Born Extremely Preterm.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn autistic children born extremely preterm, boys showed more restricted and repetitive behaviors and greater social affect difficulties than girls. However, parent-reported screeners and cognitive scores did not differ by sex. Screening tools alone may miss sex-specific traits in this group.
• PTOTSLPRCT2025Measuring Developmental Delays: Comparison of Parent Report and Direct Testing.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParent-reported developmental scores matched direct testing results closely in toddlers evaluated for autism. Misclassification rates were low, meaning most children flagged for speech or motor delays by direct testing were also flagged by parent report, supporting telehealth assessment.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025Perspectives From Multidisciplinary Professionals in France on Shared Patient Portals for Integrated Pediatric Rehabilitation: Qualitative Study.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesProfessionals see shared portals bridging health, school, and leisure gaps but fear confidentiality breaches. They want sector-specific access, progressive child involvement, and interoperability to avoid double data entry. Adoption depends on beliefs about coordination value, not just digital skills.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Investigating Parental Observations of Early Autism Development in Simplex and Multiplex Families.Journal of autism and developmental disordersHaving an older autistic sibling did not increase parents' reports of early developmental concerns in younger children. Only the younger child's own later autism diagnosis predicted these reports. Parents' recall was not skewed by hypervigilance toward siblings.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Utilising Behavioural and Sensory Profiles and Associated Perinatal Factors to Identify Meaningful Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAnalysis of 1168 autistic children identified four distinct subgroups based on behavioural, sensory, and perinatal profiles. One group had the most adaptive skill concerns with natal complications, while another showed the highest sensory impairment linked to maternal health factors, suggesting different support needs.
• OTSLPRCT2025Building Better Bridges: Outcomes of a Community-Partnered New School Transition Intervention for Students on the Autism Spectrum.Journal of autism and developmental disordersCaregiver coaching improved school transition ratings for students on the autism spectrum in under-resourced schools. Teachers reported significantly higher transition success with coaching. Caregiver ratings showed a non-significant trend. Self-efficacy increased with coaching, but worry decreased similarly in both groups.
• OTQualitative2025Close Relationships Despite the Challenges: Sibling Relationships and Autism.Journal of autism and developmental disordersTen siblings of autistic adolescents described close, loving relationships despite aggression, conflict, and caregiving worries. Some sisters felt they were both siblings and carers and wanted help with arguments, isolation, and future caring roles.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Rethinking the Accessibility of Hearing Assessments for Children with Developmental Disabilities.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with developmental disabilities were nearly four times more likely than peers to miss gold-standard hearing assessments within three months. This gap was widest for those with cerebral palsy or multiple diagnoses, leaving many children undiagnosed and unable to access hearing technology or early intervention.
• OTSLPCohort2025Completion of Upper Secondary Mainstream School in Autistic Students in Sweden.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic students in Sweden were far less likely to finish upper secondary school than their peers. The gap was largest for autistic girls and those with ADHD. This suggests current educational support systems are failing to meet the needs of this population.
• OTQualitative2025Investigation of Menstrual Hygiene and Self-Care Skills of Adolescent Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mother Views.Journal of autism and developmental disordersMothers of girls with ASD described ongoing help with toileting, bathing, pad use and hair cleaning. All reported no puberty preparations, and mothers were the main caregivers.
• PTOTOther2025Responses and reliability of candidate intensity measures to different mental and motor load levels of an upper limb exergame in children and adolescents with neurological diagnoses.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesChildren with neurological diagnoses reported higher effort and performed fewer movements as exergame difficulty increased. Heart rate variability also dropped during harder motor tasks. However, these measures were not reliable when repeated on separate days, so they cannot yet track therapy intensity in practice.
• PTOTQualitative2025Perceptions of occupational therapists and physiotherapists of early intervention therapy services for infants with or at risk of cerebral palsy: A qualitative interview study.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineTherapists report that fragmented communication between hospital and municipality services forces parents to carry medical records back and forth. This burden delays care and creates conflicting advice, while a focus on gross motor skills often causes therapists to miss the early window for hand function intervention.
• OTOther2025Are a Child's Autistic Traits, Behavioural Difficulties, Prosocial Behaviour and Temperament Predictors of Parental Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction? A Study on Parents of Autistic and Neurotypical Children Aged 7-11 Years.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn parents of autistic children, behavioural difficulties and prosocial behaviour predicted lower parenting confidence and satisfaction. In parents of neurotypical children, only behavioural difficulties predicted confidence. Autistic traits themselves did not significantly predict either outcome in the final models.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Developmental Impacts of Early Sensory Patterns on School-Age Adaptive, Maladaptive, and Participation Outcomes in Autistic and Non-autistic Children.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren whose sensory sensitivity increased during preschool had lower adaptive skills and more anxiety at school age. This pattern also predicted less participation in classroom and community activities. These links were stronger in autistic children than in non-autistic peers.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Rehabilitation needs and healthcare utilization of adults with cerebral palsy: A mixed methods study.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineAdults with cerebral palsy still seen in pediatric rehabilitation had shifting equipment, therapy, and specialist needs, but only 21 of 280 had documented transition efforts.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025ICF-based functioning profiles in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: Evidence from a population-based study in Argentina.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineChildren with severe motor impairments rated technology as a major facilitator, while those with milder issues saw it as neutral. Immediate family supported all levels, but health services and societal attitudes only helped the milder group.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Prior Diagnoses and Age of Diagnosis in Children Later Diagnosed with Autism.Journal of autism and developmental disordersBlack children were diagnosed with autism about six months earlier than White children. White children had higher rates of prior diagnoses like ADHD and anxiety. More prior diagnoses predicted later autism diagnosis. These findings contradict expected disparities in access to care.
• OTSLPCohort2025Retrospective Analysis of Dog Bite Injuries in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with autism spectrum disorder suffered dog bites with similar severity and treatment needs as peers without the disorder. They were more likely to have head injuries and require blood transfusions, but mortality and overall clinical care needs did not differ between the groups.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2025Autistic and autism community perspectives on infant and family support in the first two years of life: Findings from a community consultation survey.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic and non-Autistic community members largely agreed that early infant supports should help parents understand their child's needs and improve quality of life. They rejected goals like reducing autistic behaviours or forcing eye contact. Reinforcement strategies and the term 'intervention' were viewed with concern.
• OTSLPCohort2025Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring of Parents with Major Depressive Disorder: A Birth Cohort Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren of parents with depression were more likely to receive diagnoses of ADHD, autism, tics, and developmental delays. Prenatal parental depression was linked to more conditions; postnatal depression was linked only to ADHD, developmental delay, and coordination delay. Association, not proof of cause.
• OTOther2025Association of Irritability with Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors and Social Communication Challenges in Autistic Youth.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIrritability in autistic youth was linked to repetitive behaviors: more stereotyped movement and insistence on sameness went with more irritability, while broader restricted interests went with less. Social communication difficulties did not add to irritability after other factors.
• PTOTMeta-Analysis2025Treatment dosage effects of treadmill-based exoskeletal robotic-assisted gait training in individuals with pediatric brain injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineTreadmill robotic gait training improved walking speed and standing ability in children with brain injuries, but not endurance or walking scores compared to conventional therapy. Benefits were clearest when combined with conventional therapy and delivered at high frequency.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Sleep Disturbances and Co-sleeping in Italian Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersSleep problems affected one-third of children with autism, with difficulty falling or staying asleep being the most common. Higher IQ, anxiety, and parental stress predicted these issues. Co-sleeping was very frequent but did not correlate with sleep disorder severity.
• PTOTOther2026Effects of Ball Combination Exercise Combined with cTBS Intervention on Sleep Problems in Children with Autism.Journal of autism and developmental disordersBall exercises and cTBS stimulation each helped specific sleep problems in autistic children, but neither was clearly better than the other. The combined approach did not significantly outperform single interventions on the main sleep measure, so there is no strong reason to use both together.
• OTSLPSurvey2025Community views of neurodiversity, models of disability and autism intervention: Mixed methods reveal shared goals and key tensions.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutism community participants linked neurodiversity support with societal change, not rejection of all individual supports. Strong social-model supporters were open to adaptive-skill teaching and treating co-occurring conditions, and preferred communication beyond speech.
• OTPilot2025Early positive approaches to support for family carers of young children with developmental disabilities: adaptation and piloting in Quebec public services.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesCarers found this adapted support group helpful for learning strategies and feeling less isolated. Attendance was good despite pandemic disruptions. While parents reported improved well-being and competence, anxiety levels remained stable and high, suggesting the group alone may not address acute mental health needs.
• PTOTCohort2026Sleep Problems in Children with ADHD: Associations with Internalizing Symptoms and Physical Activity.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with ADHD who reported poor sleep had more severe depression, anxiety, and stress, and spent less time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than those with good sleep. Meeting physical activity guidelines was linked to lower depression and anxiety scores.
• OTRCT2026Parent Training for Disruptive Behaviors in Referred Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Journal of autism and developmental disordersFace-to-face parent training reduced noncompliance and irritability in referred children with ASD compared with waitlist. Blended parent training, which combined online modules with face-to-face contacts, did not improve more than waitlist, and many parents stopped early.
• OTSLPQualitative2026Parental Perceptions of Community and Professional Attitudes Toward Autism.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents of adults with autism described community and professional attitudes as mixed. Presuming competence, collaborating with families, and accommodating differences were valued. Refusing requests, prejudice, and judging adults as too able or too disabled were described as barriers to support.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptom Profiles in Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Neurofibromatosis Type 1.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with rare genetic syndromes do not share one autism symptom profile. Clinical observation and parent reports often disagreed, with some children showing high repetitive behaviors but normal social interaction, or vice versa. This mismatch means assessment tools must be interpreted together rather than separately.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Gesture Imitation Performance and Visual Exploration in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn young children with autism, gesture imitation scores did not differ from typically developing peers, but imitation quality was linked to age and developmental skills. Looking at the demonstrator's face did not predict imitation accuracy. Meaningful gestures were harder for children with more severe autism symptoms.
• OTOther2026Parental Representations and Emotional Availability: The Case of Children with Autism and Severe Behavior Problems.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAmong families of children with autism and severe behavior problems, mothers who had come to terms with the diagnosis or spoke more warmly about their child showed more emotionally available play. Fathers who described their child more clearly were also more emotionally available in play.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile of 915 Autistic Preschoolers Engaged in Intensive Early Intervention in Australia.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren entering intensive early intervention showed severe delays in adaptive and cognitive skills, with communication and expressive language being the weakest areas. Despite these high support needs, parental stress levels were similar to general autism samples rather than elevated.
• OTSLPOther2026Determinants of Positive Evolution of Symptoms in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) during the COVID-19 Lockdown in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (DRC).Journal of autism and developmental disordersDuring lockdown, 42.6% of parents reported positive changes in their child's autism symptoms. Parents spending more than 8 hours daily with the child and improvements in language or autonomy were associated with positive evolution. Conversely, parental depression and child comorbidities were linked to no change or deterioration.
• OTSLPOther2026The Mediating Role of Social Interactions and Early Psychopathological Symptoms in the Relationship Between Empathy and Prosociality in Young Children with ASD and Neurotypical Peers.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAnxious children with autism showed more prosocial behaviour than less anxious peers, while anxiety did not predict prosociality in neurotypical children. Parents reported lower empathy and social interaction in children with autism, but similar levels of anxiety between groups.
• OTSLPOther2026Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Psy-Flex Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersThe Chinese Psy-Flex reliably measures psychological flexibility in parents of children with autism. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and accurately distinguishes parents with high stress from those without, offering a brief tool for tracking mental health in this group.
• OTSLPCohort2026Associations of Autistic Traits and Autism with Incontinence and Constipation in a UK Birth Cohort.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with high autistic traits, especially social-communication and language coherence difficulties, had higher odds of daytime wetting and soiling at age 9. At age 14, autistic traits were also linked to constipation. Screen for continence issues in autistic children.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Impact of single-event multilevel surgery on gait efficiency in children with cerebral palsy: a retrospective study.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineChildren with cerebral palsy who had single-event multilevel surgery improved their walking efficiency and overall gait quality. They walked with better knee extension and stronger ankle push-off, though their speed did not increase. These changes were seen in a retrospective study without a true control group.
• PTOTSLPMeta-Analysis2025Noninvasive brain stimulation for upper limb motor activity in children and young adults with cerebral palsy and pediatric stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdding brain stimulation to therapy did not improve upper limb movement in children with cerebral palsy or stroke. The combined treatment showed no benefit over standard care alone, so clinicians should not expect these stimulation techniques to enhance motor recovery on their own.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026Facing Change and Uncertainty: Lessons Learned from Autistic Children and their Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic.Journal of autism and developmental disordersFamilies reported both worsening and improving outcomes during lockdown. Children with sensory or social needs often struggled with lost structure, but others saw reduced anxiety and better communication from increased one-to-one time at home. Support services and school continuity were critical gaps.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026Employing a Phased, Interdisciplinary Approach Across Healthcare and School Settings: mHealth Adaptations for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder At-Risk of Experiencing Obesity.Journal of autism and developmental disordersFor youth with autism, participants said an obesity-prevention chatbot app should offer simple choices, safety prompts, visuals, and rewards, while fitting family life. They valued apps for teletherapy and home programs, but worried about cost, time, and parent burden.
• OTSLPOther2026Exploring the Interpersonal Goals of Autistic and Neurotypical Adolescents Who Bully Others.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic adolescents who valued closeness and friendship were more likely to be identified as bullies, unlike neurotypical peers who bullied to gain status. This suggests some bullying in autism may stem from social misunderstanding rather than intent to harm.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on Autistic Adolescents Transitioning to Independent Driving.Journal of autism and developmental disordersProviders rely on ad-hoc strategies like role-playing and referrals to guide autistic adolescents toward driving. They report lacking a gold standard resource or autism-specific driver education, leaving them to improvise assessments of readiness and safety in real time.
• OTSLPSurvey2026Parental Burnout in Israeli Parents of Children with ASD During Wartime: The Role of Child Behavior, Parental Emotion Regulation, Stress, and Social Support.Journal of autism and developmental disordersDuring war, parents of children with autism reported higher burnout and stress than parents of typically developing children. Unlike the other group, their burnout was not buffered by social support or emotion regulation. Instead, disruptions to their child's therapy and school routines were the strongest predictors of distress.
• OTSLPQualitative2026A "Round, Bruising Sort of Pain": Autistic Girls' Social Camouflaging in Inclusive High School Settings.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic girls in inclusive schools reported camouflaging all day, finding it exhausting. They valued time alone and adult autism awareness most, while rating social skills classes as least helpful. Neurodivergent friends were described as essential for navigating school.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Parents' Early Concerns about Their Child with Autism: Relation to Age of Diagnosis.Journal of autism and developmental disordersSpecific early signs like not responding to name or losing skills predicted earlier autism diagnosis. General language delays or repetitive behaviors did not. A higher number of concerns was associated with later diagnosis in the final model, suggesting specificity matters more than volume.