This longitudinal study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 62; M[subscript age] = 13 years) by measuring emotional and behavioral problems before and during the pandemic, and by comparing this change to a matched sample of children without ASD (n = 213; M[subscript age] = 16 years).…

Social, emotional, and behavioral problems present many issues and concerns for youth, families, and schools. Schools have adopted various frameworks of prevention and intervention meant to assist with such concerns. Two widely used frameworks are positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and social-emotional learning (SEL). The…

Purpose: Avoidant automatic thoughts (AAT) are thoughts that precede or accompany a delay in the starting or ending of a task. In a prior study of college students using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), AATs were frequent daily occurrences and participants with more severe ADHD symptoms at baseline reported more frequent AAT. Importantly,…

This paper explores experiences of pastoral staff, working in social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) special secondary schools, regarding the psychological impact of their work. To date, attention has been given to the educational experiences of pupils attending SEMH schools and teachers working with pupils with SEMH needs in mainstream…

The interactions between sleep problems, autism symptoms and emotional and behavioural difficulties were explored using network analysis in 240 autistic children (mean age: 8.8 years, range 5-13 years) with moderate to severe sleep problems. Findings revealed a highly connected and interpretable network, with three separate clusters identified of…

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the Family Check-Up initiated during kindergarten on teacher-report of children's emotional and behavior concerns in fourth grade. Participants were 57 primary caregivers, along with their children and teachers. Participants were randomized to a Family Check-Up condition or school-as-usual…

Autistic children show higher rates of co-occurring emotional and behavioural difficulties compared to other children in the general population. However, the environmental factors which contribute to the development of emotional (internalising) and behavioural (externalising) difficulties in autistic individuals are poorly understood. This study…

Ability-grouping has been studied extensively in relation to children's academic, but not emotional and behavioral outcomes. The sample comprised 7259 U.K. children (50% male) with data on between-class and within-class ability-grouping at age 7. Peer, emotional, hyperactivity, and conduct problems were measured at ages 7, 11, and 14 years.…

Parent rating scales are used at increasing rates across disciplines to track child development and determine diagnoses/needs. This study explored relationships among parental stress and the validity of parents' ratings of their child's behaviors. Participants include children who were referred for assessment of behavioral, social-emotional, and…

The use of a screening tool for school-wide screening of internalizing symptoms is an important strategy for early identification and prevention of more serious and impairing emotional and behavioral health problems in adolescents. However, threshold cut-off scores determined for screening tools may not be suitable for all populations. Using a…

Frontal asymmetry (FA), the difference in brain activity between the left versus right frontal areas, is thought to reflect approach versus avoidance motivation. This study (2012-2021) used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate if infant (M[subscript age] = 7.63 months; N = 90; n = 48 male; n = 75 White) FA in the dorsolateral…

The quality of interprofessional collaboration is a key determinant of the success and effectiveness of integrative care for children with multiple and complex needs. This study reports on the development and first psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire that assesses professionals' perceptions of interprofessional collaboration for child…

Executive functions (EFs) refer to a set of cognitive skills used to achieve goals and adapt to novelty and social situations. These cognitive skills strongly impact people's daily lives. Hence, assessing these skills is important for an early intervention to address their lack if need be. Nevertheless, relevant scientific literature reports…

Universal SEL interventions have garnered increasing attention in educational systems worldwide, including in Portuguese schools, with short- and long-term benefits for students, such as social and emotional competencies, academic performance, and positive attitudes and behaviours. Using a pre- and post-test design, the current study aims to…

This study evaluated direct and indirect effects of the Family Check-Up Online (FCU-O) across two distinct randomized trials with middle school youth and families. The FCU-O is a digital health adaptation of the Family Check-Up that is delivered in a brief, online format with supportive coaching. The FCU-O was delivered to parents of middle school…