Pitch direction ability predicts melodic perception in autism.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often present atypical auditory perception. Previous work has reported both enhanced low-level pitch discrimination and superior abilities to detect local pitch structure on higher-level melodic tasks in ASD. However, it is unclear how low and high levels of auditory perception are related in ASD or typical development (TD), or how this relationship might change across development and stimulus presentation rates.

Development of an observational measure of therapy engagement for pediatric rehabilitation.

Purpose: The Pediatric Rehabilitation Intervention Measure of Engagement-Observation (PRIME-O) version was designed to capture signs of affective, cognitive and behavioral involvement for clients and service providers and in the client-provider interaction.

Methods: Phase 1 examined interrater consensus and construct validity of a pilot version, using observer ratings of engagement indicators made while viewing videos of therapy sessions differing in high and low engagement (Sample 1). Phase 2 examined these properties in a 10-item version (Samples 2 and 3).

A feasibility study using solution-focused coaching for health promotion in children and young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a coaching intervention (Solution-Focused Coaching in pediatric rehabilitation [SFC-Peds]) related to physical activity and diet in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Methods: A pre-post design was employed. Participants had five coaching sessions over 8 weeks.

Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP): A New Approach for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Aims: The results of a small single-case study series suggested that Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) may be a successful approach for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Therefore a pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with the following research questions-is CO-OP a feasible approach to use with children with CP, what are the effects of CO-OP when compared to usual practice, and is a larger study warranted?

Methods: 18 children between age 7 and 12 (nine in CO-OP group and nine in Current Usual Practice Approach (CUPA) group) received ten 1-hour sessions of intervention on average once per week at home. Primary outcome measures were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS).

Communicating about obesity and weight-related topics with children with a physical disability and their families: spina bifida as an example.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of children with spina bifida (SB), their families and healthcare professionals (HCPs) when discussing weight-related topics.

Method: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with HCPs from Canadian outpatient SB clinics (n = 13), children aged 6-18 years with SB (n = 17) and their parents (n = 20). Data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach within an interpretative paradigm.

Developing authentic clinical simulations for effective listening and communication in pediatric rehabilitation service delivery.

Purpose: To describe the creation and validation of six simulations concerned with effective listening and interpersonal communication in pediatric rehabilitation.

Methods And Findings: The simulations involved clinicians from various disciplines, were based on clinical scenarios related to client issues, and reflected core aspects of listening/communication. Each simulation had a key learning objective, thus focusing clinicians on specific listening skills.