Executive function is associated with behaviour problems in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and intellectual disability.

Background: Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) commonly have behaviour problems. The present study aimed to determine which of the most common clinical features experienced by children and adolescents with CP and intellectual disability are associated with behaviour problems.

Method: We investigated 11 possible associated variables including epilepsy, visual and hearing impairments, motor difficulties, communication and speech difficulties, pain, sleep disturbance, executive function (EF) deficits, type of CP, and parent stress.

Childhood and Adulthood Predictors of Community Participation by Autistic Adults With and Without Intellectual Disability.

Background: Few studies have explored community participation for autistic adults, with or without intellectual disability. This study aims to investigate how autistic adults participate in the community, and the childhood and adulthood factors that predict community participation in adulthood.

Method: Eighty-four autistic adults (mean age 34 years; 67% with co-occurring intellectual disability) initially recruited as children and adolescents, participated in the current study.

The relationship between cardiac activity, behaviour and endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin in Prader-Willi Syndrome: An exploratory study.

This study aimed to increase our understanding of cardiac activity abnormalities in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and the relationship between cardiac activity, PWS behaviours thought to be associated with cardiac vagal tone and endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels. We compared cardiac activity (respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), low-frequency heart rate variability (LF-HRV), heart period) in 30 adolescents and adults with PWS to 30 typically developing age-matched controls. RSA, LF-HRV, and heart period were lower in individuals with PWS than in the control group.

The relationship between endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels and the Prader-Willi syndrome behaviour phenotype.

Background: Oxytocin and vasopressin systems are altered in Prader Willi syndrome (PWS). However, investigations into endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels as well as clinical trials evaluating the effect of exogenous oxytocin on PWS symptoms have had mixed results. It is also unknown whether endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels are associated with certain PWS behaviours.

Efficacy of cannabinoids in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders among children and adolescents: a systematic review.

A better understanding of the endocannabinoid system and a relaxation in regulatory control of cannabis globally has increased interest in the medicinal use of cannabinoid-based products (CBP). We provide a systematic review of the rationale and current clinical trial evidence for CBP in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Trials was performed to identify articles published after 1980 about CBP for medical purposes in individuals aged 18 years or younger with selected neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions.