Purpose: This case series documents developmental changes over time and in response to a novel intervention, Sitting Together and Reaching to Play (START-Play), in children with early-life seizures. Methods: Thirteen children with early-life seizures were included from a subset of participants in the START-Play multisite, randomized controlled…

Sensory over-responsivity in the vestibular domain (aka gravitational insecurity) has been frequently identified in the literature. However, little has been written about the effectiveness of interventions, especially in toddlers with these idiopathic challenges (e.g. without a diagnosis of autism). The objective of this pilot study was to test…

Background: In South Africa, low literacy rates among children, particularly in early grades, present a critical challenge to the nation's educational development. This study addresses the pressing issue of inadequate early childhood literacy education, aiming to bridge the gap between research and practice by advocating for effective…

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) impacts the quality of life and ability to perform coordinated actions in 5% of school-aged children. The quality of body representations of individuals with DCD has been questioned, but never assessed. We hypothesize that children with DCD have imprecise body representations in the sensory and motor…

People of all ages can appreciate and engage in the occupation of music. Music can be enjoyed through listening, playing an instrument, singing, and dancing. It has significance in many people's lives; however, few intervention programs outside the field of music therapy exist that capitalize on the therapeutic potential of music in pediatric…

Aims: Children with neuromotor delays are at risk for reaching and object exploration impairments, which may negatively affect their cognitive development and daily activity performance. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Sitting Together And Reaching To Play (START-Play) intervention on reaching-related exploratory behaviors in…

This pilot feasibility study applies the RE-AIM Implementation Science Framework to examine the implementation and preliminary signals of the effectiveness of integrating the Group-Early Start Denver Model (G-ESDM) in an early childhood education center serving under-resourced communities. Five preschoolers diagnosed with autism, their caregivers,…

Background: A high number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present motor deficits. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the motor performance of children with ASD and (2) to analyze the influence that sociodemographic variables and difficulties related to learning have in the development of motor deficits. Method:…

The aim was to evaluate the effects of a family-focused early intervention programme on the cognitive, motor, and language development of infants exposed to social and biological risks in the first year of life. Quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial (RBR-6ct969), with intervention (IG; n = 72) and control (CG; n = 170) groups. IG mothers…

The objective of the study was to develop a prototype for an accessible, high quality, cost and time-effective 'Development Profiling Tool' for use in reception classes. This would build a unique picture of every individual child's developmental at the beginning of their educational journey, meaning that interventions for any comparable areas of…

Purpose: To evaluate the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the novel Means-End Problem-Solving Assessment Tool (MEPSAT). Methods: Children with typical development and those with motor delay were assessed throughout the first 2 years of life using the MEPSAT. MEPSAT scores were validated against the cognitive and motor subscales of the…

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate movement difficulties in addition to problems with social communication and interactions, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. The goal of early intervention for children with disabilities is to promote participation in routines and activities, but little is known about the role…

Aim: To describe the development of an intervention-specific fidelity measure and its utilization and to determine whether the newly developed Sitting Together and Reaching to Play (START-Play) intervention was implemented as intended. Also, to quantify differences between START-Play and usual early intervention (uEI) services. Method: A fidelity…

Background and Aims: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with impairments in social interaction and stereotypic behaviors. About a third may exhibit delays in verbal expression beyond preschool age, potentially categorizing them as nonverbal/minimally verbal (NV/MV), a condition that can persist into adulthood and affect their…

This article discusses how increasing diversity within a community requires health care professionals to reassess the developmental assessment tools being used, or at the least, what implications one can derive from resultant identification of delays. The author describes a culture clash between her training and developmental expectations as a…