Convergent Validity of Two Sensory Questionnaires in Spain: Sensory Profile-2 and Sensory Processing Measure.

(1) Background: Several sensory questionnaires aimed at analyzing sensory reactivity problems in children are available in Spain; however, knowledge about whether these questionnaires can obtain equivalent results is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the convergent validity of two sensory questionnaires available for the Spanish population (Spain): Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) and Sensory Processing Measure (SPM). (2) Methods: This study involved a sample of 116 children between the ages of 5 and 12 years with sensory integration differences and concerns with participation in daily activities. A Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated along with the significance for this test. (3) Results: Correlations between SP-2 and SPM subscales ranged from r = 0.127 (p. 174) to r = 0.674 (p < 0.001). Correlations between sensory factors analyzing the same sensory systems ranged from r = 0.401 (p < 0.001) to r = 0.674 (p < 0.001) for body position/body awareness and hearing, respectively. (4) Conclusions: There is adequate convergent validity between the SPM and the SP-2 for the Spanish population in most sensory factors. The results support the use of both sensory questionnaires with the Spanish population.

Italian Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire Revised (THPQ-R) in Typically Developing Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire Revised (THPQ-R) identifies sensory integration issues in children with defecation problems. Sensory integration issues are recognized as a factor linked to some defecation disorders and identifying such issues is needed to guide the development of an appropriate intervention. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the THPQ-R in a population of typically developing (TD) Italian children by measuring its internal consistency and cross-cultural validity. The translation and cultural adaptation were performed according to international guidelines. The questionnaire was administered to the caregivers of TD children, and the analysis was performed on data obtained from 118 TD children. The construct validity of the scale was calculated through the exploratory factor analysis that indicated two factors; Cronbach's alpha was calculated for internal consistency and showed a value >0.7, demonstrating good internal consistency. Cross-cultural validity was also analyzed and showed higher levels of defecation problems at age 5 years. Italian occupational therapists now have a tool to assess possible sensory issues linked to defecation disorders in children aged 3 to 6 years, which may promote more effective clinical practice in this area. Moreover, it will be possible to compare the results obtained from studies conducted in Italy with those conducted in other countries.

Cultural Adaptation of the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration® (EASI) for Spanish-Speaking Populations.

IMPORTANCE: Spanish-speaking populations represent a significant percentage of occupational therapy clientele globally. Culturally appropriate Spanish translations of assessments are therefore imperative. This study describes the process of a culturally adapted translation of a set of tests for use with Spanish-speaking pediatric populations. OBJECTIVE: To produce a culturally adapted Spanish translation of the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration® (EASI) for international use. METHOD: We used cultural adaptation methodology that included direct and back translations of the EASI by bilingual translators and interviews with pediatric occupational therapists and children ages 3-6 yr from Spain. Linguistic experts helped revise the translations, and pediatric occupational therapy leaders in five Spanish-speaking North and South American countries reviewed the translations for comprehensibility and cultural appropriateness. RESULTS: Back translations demonstrated equivalence with the original EASI tests except for a few test instructions and scoring criteria. Interviews with occupational therapists and children in Spain revealed some comprehension difficulties for several tests, which were revised in consultation with a linguistic expert. Additional adaptations were made on the basis of recommendations to address cultural differences by occupational therapy leaders from five North and South American countries. Most changes in wording were made in one EASI test (Praxis: Following Directions) that is heavily dependent on language comprehension. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: We used currently recommended methodologies to develop and adapt a Spanish translation of the EASI for use across diverse cultures. What This Article Adds: A Spanish translation of the EASI has been developed for use in culturally diverse Spanish-speaking countries around the world.

International meeting on Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome: Update on the nosology and new insights on the pathogenic mechanisms for seizures and growth delay.

"An International Meeting on Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS)" was held at The University Hospital La Paz in Madrid, Spain (October 13-14, 2017). One hundred and twenty-five people, including physicians, scientists and affected families, attended the meeting. Parent and patient advocates from the Spanish Association of WHS opened the meeting with a panel discussion to set the stage regarding their hopes and expectations for therapeutic advances. In keeping with the theme on therapeutic development, the sessions followed a progression from description of the phenotype and definition of therapeutic endpoints, to definition of genomic changes. These proceedings will review the major points of discussion.

Sensory Integration Concerns in Children With Functional Defecation Disorders: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the literature to identify reports of sensory integration concerns in children with functional defecation issues and to explore whether difficulty processing sensation may be related to their challenging bowel management behaviors. METHOD: A scoping review was used to address the research question. We sourced articles from six databases in three languages, searched reference lists of all included articles, and identified additional articles through discussion with experts in the field. RESULTS: Twelve articles were included in the final synthesis, identifying 15 challenging behaviors potentially related to sensory integration concerns. CONCLUSION: We summarize research documenting sensory integration concerns in children with functional defecation issues, providing researchers and clinicians with an overview of the current state of understanding.

Defecation-Specific Behavior in Children with Functional Defecation Issues: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Atypical defecation habits are common and distressing for children and families and can have a major impact on quality of life. Often, no underlying factor can be identified, and the defecation disorder is considered functional. Current interventions are not successful for up to 50% of children. We suggest this high failure rate may be caused by lack of consistency in descriptors of behavioral indicators for functional defecation problems. Most investigations and descriptors focus on general behavior. There are fewer reports concerning defecation-specific behaviors. OBJECTIVE: To develop a thorough inventory of defecation-specific behaviors, providing a more informed foundation for assessment and intervention. DESIGN: A systematic review of six common databases was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. Reference lists of retained articles were screened for additional studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Content analysis was used to classify defecation-specific behaviors into 17 categories. RESULTS: Our search yielded 2677 articles; 98 peer-reviewed publications were retained for full-text review, and 67 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Although there is inconsistency in reported diagnostic criteria, stool withholding and manifesting pain on defecation are the most commonly reported defecation-specific behaviors. In the studies that included children with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the defecation-specific behaviors were not unique to the diagnostic group. CONCLUSION: Consistent use of established diagnostic criteria, along with use of behaviors identified through this review, lay a foundation for more effective interventions.

Examining Sensory Overresponsiveness in Preschool Children With Retentive Fecal Incontinence.

The development of bowel control is an important activity of daily living in early childhood, and challenges in this area can limit participation in key occupations. Retentive fecal incontinence (RFI) is a common disorder in children. Up to 50% of children do not respond adequately to initial medical intervention, and behaviors around toileting, some related to sensory overresponsivity (SOR), may be partly responsible. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between RFI and SOR and also examined the discriminative validity of the Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire (THPQ). Per parent report, children with RFI (n = 16) showed significantly more behaviors related to SOR compared with typically developing children (n = 27). In addition, results indicated that the THPQ effectively discriminates between children with RFI and typically developing children. Results are discussed regarding RFI and SOR, the impact of RFI on childhood occupational engagement, and the role of occupational therapy with this population.