Purpose: The prevalence of sleep difficulties among children with rare genetic neurodevelopmental conditions (RGNC) is high. Behavioral interventions are commonly used in the treatment of sleep difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, however, research is scarce in children with RGNC. The range of co-occurring…

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are at high risk of challenging behavior, yet families experience consistent barriers to affordable parent education in behavior management. This study tested the efficacy of a caregiver-focused Extensions of Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) program in delivering behavior management education and…

Sleep problems are prevalent among autistic children and children with Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders (RGND). Behavioral interventions are commonly used to treat sleep problems, with most involving extinction. While effective, the occurrence of a response burst (i.e., temporary worsening of the behavior) can result in a temporary…

3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29del) is associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental phenotypes. We previously reported that graphomotor weakness is present in up to 78% of individuals with 3q29del. We have now explored nuances of the graphomotor phenotype and its association with other comorbidities in this population. Participants were…

Autism spectrum disorder is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The symptoms invariably appear in early childhood and cause significant impairment in social, occupational, and other important…

Caregivers of a child with a neurodevelopmental disability are more vulnerable to mental health difficulties. These difficulties are influenced by the child's challenging behaviours, and the caregiver's coping strategies; factors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. An online mixed methods survey was conducted on caregivers of children with…

The interprofessional, interagency model PLUSS offers education for preschool teachers on how to detect and support preschool children with neurodevelopmental symptoms. A total of 119 preschool teachers used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess behavioural problems and the Children's Engagement Questionnaire (CEQ) to…

There is a widespread lack of behavioral professionals available to support children and families affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities. As a result of limited availability, services that can be provided from a distance have developed. Telehealth is a modality that can increase access to services, lessen financial constraints, and support…

This study investigated which specific behavioural issues is best associated with adaptive functioning in three specific genetic syndromes. Behavioural issues were assessed in neurotypical (NT) (n = 43), Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) (n = 19), Down syndrome (DS) (n = 24) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) (n = 23) participants ranging from 3 to…

Upon learning that their child has a neurodevelopmental disorder, families enter a different process and can experience problems related to their child's behavior management. This study was designed in response to a request from mothers with children diagnosed with various neurodevelopmental disorders. The study used a multi-level case study, one…

Background: Neurodivergence has been established as associated with a significant number of co-occurring physical conditions, particularly for autistic individuals who are at risk for increased pain, hypermobility (including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and gastrointestinal problems. However, data, so far, has been focused on adults and generally…

This study aimed to examine the effect of mother's perception of child's maladaptive behaviour and types of child's neurodevelopment disorder on maternal parenting stress, and examine the role of types of child's neurodevelopmental disorder in moderating the relationship between mother' perception of child's maladaptive behaviours and maternal…

During the diagnostic evaluation period for autism or intellectual disability (ID), families of young children are at risk for poor adjustment. The present study aimed to document family quality of life (FQOL), along with associated risk and protective factors, during this critical step of families' services trajectory. FQOL was measured in a…

This study aimed to investigate the emotional and behavioral responses of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents during the recent novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the associated factors. Our study included 299 children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders and 299 mothers or fathers. Participant…

Children excluded from school often have a range of unidentified needs that may directly contribute to their behaviour. Research and policy highlight the absence of screening for difficulties in children at risk of exclusion. This study aimed to assess and explore the feasibility and acceptability of neurodevelopmental and mental health screening…