ABSTRACT
Executive function (EF) in specific learning disorders (SLD) has been investigated using mainly cool EF tasks, whilst less is known about hot EF and theory of mind (ToM) in this population. The aim of this study was to examine group differences in hot and cool EF and ToM in school-aged children with SLD relative to typically developing peers. It also attempted to investigate whether EF measures are significant predictors of ToM in SLD and typical development. Cross-sectional data were collected from 135 school-aged children with and without SLD (8-10â¯years old), tested on measures of cool & hot EF and ToM. Significant group differences were observed in EFs inhibition (p= .04), working memory (p= .04) and delay of gratification (p < .001), as well as ToM mental state/emotion recognition (p = .019). Inhibition and planning contributed to 22% of the explained variance of ToM mental state/emotion recognition, but not false belief overall. Results suggest that cool EF may be a crucial predictor of ToM in children with and without SLD. Finally, stepwise logistic regression analysis identified specific hot EF and ToM measures contributing to group differentiation, specifically delay of gratification (odds ratio=.995, 95% CI [.993-.998]) and mental state/emotion recognition (odds ratio= .89, 95% CI [.796-.995]). This study contributes to our understanding of cognitive deficits and socio-cognitive impairment in children with SLD, which hold promise for informing interventions aimed at addressing these cognitive challenges.
ABSTRACT
Background:The aim of this systematic review was to elucidate the thoughts, needs, feelings and barriers that women with physical disabilities face during childbirth. The review is based on studies including testimonies of women who described their delivery experiences. The systematic research was conducted using two online bibliographic databases. Methods:The review considered all types of studies relevant to the theme that were written in English and were published from 2016 to February 2021. In total, 89 studies that were assessed through the PubMed and Google Scholar databases were collected. Results:Only six of the 89 studies met the inclusion criteria and were deemed valid. Our findings showed that the components that define labour experiences of women with physically disabling conditions were selection of type of birth and anaesthesia, inexperience and lack of knowledge of clinicians surrounding disabilities, negative attitudes of medical staff, non-cooperation between healthcare settings of clinicians, inadequate equipment and facilities, and absence of a birth plan. Conclusion:Health professionals ought to overcome these obstacles, in order to achieve improved mother and infant outcomes. This could be achieved through the suggested further research, review of publications, improvement of facilities, and through cultivation of professionalism, respect, and empathy with regards to clinicians' attitudes towards these women and this vital period in their life.
