Understanding Special Olympics Experiences from the Athlete Perspectives Using Photo-Elicitation: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Many individuals with intellectual disabilities experience challenges to participating in organized sport, despite its known benefits. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of participating in sport (Special Olympics) from the perspectives of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Methods: Five participants (13-33 years of age) took part in a photo-elicitation project during a 1-month period.

Reliability and Validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory With Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) measures health-related quality of life, a growing area of research, particularly among individuals with disabilities. This research is necessary to fully understand the varied needs of the population and, ultimately, ensure that those needs are being met. The current study assessed the reliability and validity of the PedsQL in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Sexual knowledge and victimization in adults with autism spectrum disorders.

There is a significant gap in understanding the risk of sexual victimization in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the variables that contribute to risk. Age appropriate sexual interest, limited sexual knowledge and experiences, and social deficits, may place adults with ASD at increased risk. Ninety-five adults with ASD and 117 adults without ASD completed questionnaires regarding sexual knowledge sources, actual knowledge, perceived knowledge, and sexual victimization.

Direct and Indirect Psychosocial Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Parents Following a Parent-involved Social Skills Group Intervention.

Objective: This study examined the direct and indirect outcomes of a social skills group intervention for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders and their parents.

Method: Thirty-five children and their parents participated in the program evaluation. Children and parents completed measures of child social skills and problem behaviors.

The impact of child problem behaviors of children with ASD on parent mental health: the mediating role of acceptance and empowerment.

Raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has often been associated with higher levels of parenting stress and psychological distress, and a number of studies have examined the role of psychological processes as mediators of the impact of child problem behavior on parent mental health. The current study examined the relations among child problem behavior, parent mental health, psychological acceptance, and parent empowerment. Participants included 228 parents of children diagnosed with ASD, 6-21 years of age.