Grounded in the biopsychosocial models of expressive language in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome (FXS), this dissertation included two novel studies that examined the role of biological (i.e., physiology), psychological (i.e., autistic traits, anxiety symptoms, and child affect) and social (i.e., communication partner…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of using video modeling (VM) to teach three young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) to independently communicate their physical location via text and phone call. We used a multiple-probe research design across behaviors to evaluate the effects of the…

The course of 187 individuals ages 3-21 years with Autistic Disorder was traced through a period of 20 years (enrollment: 1995-1998, follow up: 2014-2019). Specific genetic and environmental causes were identified in only a minority. Intellectual disability coexisted in 84%. Few became independent with 99% living at home with relatives, in…

Background: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) may have difficulties in performing daily living tasks. Among other daily living tasks, independent oral hygiene is an essential life skill for people with ID. Materials and Methods: Four children with intellectual disabilities (two males and two females, ages 7-11) participated in the…

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurogenetic disorder that is characterized by myriad genetic, physical, and behavioral abnormalities (Buiting et al., 2016; Thibert et al., 2013; Wheeler et al., 2017). Due to complex developmental delays and intellectual disability associated with AS, including gross/fine motor delays, lack of speech, and…

Background: Mobile phones are multifunctional devices which allow adolescents to belong to their peer group, communicate with them, and also expand their digital interactions. The aim of this research was to identify possible differences in the areas and ways of mobile phone use in non-disabled adolescents and their peers identified with mild…

Background: This study examines newcomers with intellectual and developmental disabilities compared to other adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario, Canada. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study used linked health and social services administrative data to identify adults with intellectual and…

Background: Understanding the daily health experiences of people with intellectual disability is necessary to illuminate factors that may be influencing health and health disparities. The objective of this study is to understand how people with intellectual disability participate in and access health promotion. Methods: Ten adults with…

Mnemonic strategies provide information about which steps should be followed respectively while solving students' mathematical problems. The main purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of READER problem solving strategy, which is one of the mnemonic strategies, on problem solving performances of students with intellectual…

Background: Young people with intellectual disability experience important transitions as they move towards independent adult living. Transition is supported by self-determination, comprising volition (making conscious choices) and agency (acting with intention). Dialogic interactions that legitimise students' voices potentially promote…

According to research by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD; 2000), reading is the single most important skill a child will learn in life. Reading proficiency is a powerful predictor of academic success, on-time graduation, and future earning potential in the workforce. Children who reach adulthood without adequate…

Individuals assessed as having an intellectual disability often spend a significant amount of time in day treatment/day habilitation programs after they graduate from school. The quality of these programs varies widely and is not federally legislated. The purpose of the current study is both to explore factors that lead to higher satisfaction for…

Background: We examined differences in food selectivity by gender and parent race/ethnicity in children with intellectual disabilities. Method: A convenience sample of 56 children with intellectual disabilities was analysed. A modified Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire and a 3-day food record were used to measure child food refusal…

Background: Differentiating dementia from baseline level of functioning is difficult among people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities. Moreover, studies on observable dementia symptoms are scarce. This study examined (a) the relevance of dementia diagnosis, (b) observable symptoms and (c) training/information needs.…

The paper presents the opinions of self-advocates with mild intellectual disability about their work as social educators -- public self-advocates raising disability awareness. Six semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. Data was analyzed within the framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The themes which emerged from…