Weighted vests' effect on social attention for toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Background: There is limited research validating the use of weighted vests for problem behaviours/social attention in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) although vests are commonly used in early intervention to improve attention.

Purpose: The effect of weighted vests on competing behaviours and joint attention (a pivotal skill for development and a core deficit for toddlers with ASD) in semistructured play with their mothers was investigated.

Methods: A multiple baseline design that included generalization probes to provide evidence of treatment effects across adult female play partners.

Maternal well-being and its association to risk of developmental problems in children at school entry.

Background: Children at highest risk of developmental problems benefit from early identification and intervention. Investigating factors affecting child development at the time of transition to school may reveal opportunities to tailor early intervention programs for the greatest effectiveness, social benefit and economic gain. The primary objective of this study was to identify child and maternal factors associated with children who screened at risk of developmental problems at school entry.

Parenting behaviors, perceptions, and psychosocial risk: impacts on young children's development.

Objective: The goal of this study was to assess which parenting behaviors, perceptions, and risk factors were associated with optimal versus delayed development.

Methods: A total of 382 families from the national Brigance Infant and Toddler Screens standardization and validation study participated. Data sources included parent questionnaires, child testing, and examiner observations of parent-child interactions.

Maternal mental health predicts risk of developmental problems at 3 years of age: follow up of a community based trial.

Background: Undetected and untreated developmental problems can have a significant economic and social impact on society. Intervention to ameliorate potential developmental problems requires early identification of children at risk of future learning and behaviour difficulties. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of risk for developmental problems among preschool children born to medically low risk women and identify factors that influence outcomes.