{"title":"Parents’ Perceptions of the Feeding Difficulties of Their Children: the Psychometric Properties of the “Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire (MBQ)” in Greek-Cypriot Parents","authors":"Andri Papaleontiou, Louiza Voniati, Alexandros Gryparis, Rafaella Georgiou, Vassiliki Siafaka, Dionysios Tafiadis","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00456-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00456-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Inappropriate mealtime procedures can complicate a child’s feeding process and lead to behavioral issues, emphasizing the importance of parents’ perceptions of their child’s feeding behaviors. This study aimed to translate and validate the Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire (MBQ) into Greek and examine the mealtime behaviors of Greek Cypriot children and families.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The sample included 200 monolingual Greek Cypriot parents. It was divided into two groups: parents (<i>N</i> = 100) whose children exhibited typical mealtime behavior (tp-MBG) and parents (<i>N</i> = 100) whose children displayed non-typical mealtime behavior (ntp-MBG). They were selected from Cypriot public and special public schools, and speech-language clinics. The children’s parents completed the MBQ questionnaire, which was re-administered in 10 days.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>MBQ-GR showed good discrimination between the tp-MBG and ntp-MBG groups [<i>t</i> (198) = 10.810, p 0.001]. It had high internal consistency [Cronbach’s\u0000<i>α</i> = 0.944], very good test-retest reliability (ICC= 0.933 [95%, CI: 0.918–0.946]), and external criterion validity (<i>r</i> = 0.820, <i>p</i> 0.001). MBQ cutoff was equal to 57.00 [sensitivity of 0.660 and 1-specificity of 0.07-AUC 0.870, (95% CI: 0.822–0.918), <i>p</i> 0.001]. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on the four factors originally suggested, using a robust weighted least squares estimator with mean and variance adjustments, accounting for the data’s ordinal and highly skewed characteristics. The resulting estimates suggested a very good fit of the data to the CFA model.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>MBQ-GR has great reliability and validity and can be utilized to evaluate preliminary feeding behavioral issues related to feeding challenges in children of Greek-Cypriot cultural background.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"10 1","pages":"100 - 111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s41252-025-00456-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Linda Swaab, Linda E. Campbell, Meredith Tavener, Jane Goodwin
{"title":"“People Thought I Was a Dreadful Mother”: Stigma Experienced by Parents with an Autistic Child Who Exhibits Aggressive Behaviour","authors":"Linda Swaab, Linda E. Campbell, Meredith Tavener, Jane Goodwin","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00460-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00460-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>A different communication style, sudden changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, or emotional overload can sometimes lead to behavioural reactions in autistic children. This can trigger emotional dysregulation, resulting in rapid mood changes, meltdowns, self-injury, and/or reactive behaviours that are sometimes labelled as ‘aggressive behaviours’, for example, biting. These types of behaviours can result in stigma for both the child and their parents. We aimed to explore how parents interpret their experiences raising an autistic child who exhibits aggressive behaviours, using a phenomenological epistemological approach.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Eight parents of male children who had received a diagnosis of autism completed a semi-structured interview. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>One superordinate theme, ‘Changed expectations’, overarched the five subordinate themes: <i>It’s not the life that was anticipated; Isolation; What does the future hold?; Stigma;</i> and <i>Finding the positive.</i> Parents felt grief for the life they expected compared to the one they were experiencing. Initially, they blamed themselves for their child’s challenging behaviours before accepting that society’s expectations were not always right for their family. Parents also reported feelings of empathy, patience, and joy within themselves and their child.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Participants in the study shared that their lived experiences differed from their expectations, often shaped by stigma from themselves, their families, and broader society. They reported social isolation but also some positive personal psychological growth. Future research should explore the lived experience of autistic children who exhibit aggressive behaviours, the stigmas associated with these behaviours, and how these children can be supported. This exploration should be guided by appropriate methodologies developed through co-production with autistic individuals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"10 1","pages":"144 - 152"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s41252-025-00460-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yocheved Bensinger-Brody, Laraine McDonough, Robert L. Freedland, Judith M. Gardner, Bernard Z. Karmel
{"title":"Attentional Demands and Gait in Children with Early Medical Risk and Low Motor Performance: Identifying a Subthreshold Group for Clinical Concern","authors":"Yocheved Bensinger-Brody, Laraine McDonough, Robert L. Freedland, Judith M. Gardner, Bernard Z. Karmel","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00454-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00454-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The aim of this research was to investigate the developmental pattern of motor behaviors that have the potential to alert clinical concern in children who have a history of early medical risk and present with low motor performance but who do not meet the threshold of developmental coordination disorder (DCD).</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Groups of participants with a history of early medical risk who presented with low or normal motor performance participated in tasks with increasing attentional complexity, using a computer-based attention task, and an assessment of walking in singular and dual tasks with increasing demands.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Analysis of computerized attention task data by motor performance group, age, and task revealed that the low motor performance group did not demonstrate developmental improvement in one of the tasks, whereas the normal motor performance group did (<i>F</i>(1, 22) = 4.211, <i>p</i> = 0.05, <i>h</i><sup><i>2</i></sup><sub><i>p</i></sub> = 0.161). The low motor performance group also exhibited more exaggerated compensatory balance reactions than the normal motor performance group, including elbow flexion (<i>F</i>(2, 28.48) = 5.473, <i>p</i> = 0.011, <i>h</i><sup><i>2</i></sup><sub><i>p</i></sub> = 0.267) as well as trunk deviation (<i>F</i>(1, 19) = 5.522, <i>p</i> = 0.03, <i>h</i><sup><i>2</i></sup><sub><i>p</i></sub> = 0.225).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>These results highlight a group of children who may benefit from more clinical attention despite being subthreshold for neurodevelopmental diagnosis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"10 1","pages":"84 - 99"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antonio F. Pagán, Jordan Kenemore, Linda Hernandez, Stephen Armstrong, Katherine A. Loveland, Mark Ahlenius, Ron Acierno
{"title":"Military Launching! to Adulthood: A Cultural Adaptation of a Group Therapy Program for Military-Dependent Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Transitioning to Adulthood","authors":"Antonio F. Pagán, Jordan Kenemore, Linda Hernandez, Stephen Armstrong, Katherine A. Loveland, Mark Ahlenius, Ron Acierno","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00464-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00464-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The transition to adulthood poses distinct challenges for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (ages 18–25), particularly in establishing and achieving long-term goals. This is further complicated for those within the military and veteran communities. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and cultural fit of “Launching! to Adulthood,” a 12-week telehealth intervention, adapted for military-dependent young adults with ASD and their military/veteran parents.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Building on previous research and incorporating stakeholder feedback, the intervention addressed key transition challenges such as executive functioning, mental health, vocational skills, and social engagement, while also aligning with military cultural values. A total of 20 young adults and 37 parents participated in the program.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Feasibility was demonstrated by high attendance rates, with 93% of young adults and 90% of parents attending all group sessions, and no family dropouts. Both young adults and parents reported high satisfaction with session logistics, though some logistical conflicts and a preference for in-person sessions were noted. Acceptability ratings were strong, with most satisfaction scores exceeding 7 out of 10, and both groups reporting significant gains in confidence and skills related to transitioning to adulthood. Cultural fit was confirmed, with 94% of participants finding the program relevant and aligned with military and family values. Preliminary outcomes indicated improvements in self-confidence, independence, social connections, and family relationships. Participants emphasized the program’s effects in addressing the unique needs of the military community.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The findings highlight the importance of culturally tailored interventions in fostering successful transitions for underserved populations, specifically military-dependent young adults with ASD.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"10 2","pages":"207 - 226"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christine A. Limbers, Erin Laurel, Amy Baskin, Tatum Zeleznik
{"title":"Body Image Concerns, Maladaptive Eating Behaviors, and Weight Status in Children with ADHD: Are there Differences between Children Treated with and without Medication and Healthy Controls?","authors":"Christine A. Limbers, Erin Laurel, Amy Baskin, Tatum Zeleznik","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00458-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00458-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there were associations between being treated with medication for ADHD, body image concerns, maladaptive eating behaviors, and weight status in a national sample of children ages 6 to 17 years diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study also assessed whether there were differences in body image concerns, maladaptive eating behaviors, and weight status between children with ADHD treated with and without medication and matched healthy controls.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>Participants were parents of 4,819 children ages 6 to 17 years (64.5% boys) diagnosed by a doctor or other health care provider with ADHD and 9,025 healthy control children ages 6 to 17 years (60.5% boys) from the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>After controlling for sociodemographic variables, currently taking medication for ADHD was significantly associated with more fasting (Odds Ratio = 1.32; <i>p</i> < .001), binge eating (Odds Ratio = 1.26; <i>p</i> < .05), picky eating (Odds Ratio = 1.21; <i>p</i> < .001), and low interest in food (Odds Ratio = 1.77; <i>p</i> < .001). Above and beyond the control variables, currently taking medication for ADHD was associated with greater parental concerns about their child’s body weight being too low (Odds Ratio = 1.56; <i>p</i> < .001). Parents of children in the healthy control group reported fewer maladaptive eating behaviors and body image concerns for their children compared to parents of children with ADHD on and off medication (<i>p</i> < .001).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>These findings suggest children with ADHD, regardless of medication status, may be more likely to manifest maladaptive eating behaviors and body image concerns than children without a physical and mental health condition and may benefit from routine assessment of maladaptive eating behaviors and body weight concerns and when warranted the implementation of interventions that address weight loss as a potential barrier of stimulant medication utilization.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"10 1","pages":"133 - 143"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sasha L. Crocker, Anja Roemer, Sarah Strohmaier, Grace Y. Wang, Oleg N. Medvedev
{"title":"A Scoping Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment and Diagnosis: Tools, Practices, and Sex Bias","authors":"Sasha L. Crocker, Anja Roemer, Sarah Strohmaier, Grace Y. Wang, Oleg N. Medvedev","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00452-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00452-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Accurately diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with other mental health conditions. This scoping review evaluated the dependability and accuracy of prevalent diagnostic scales and investigates potential obstacles to ADHD assessment diagnosis including potential sex bias.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 11 widely used diagnostic scales were identified and included. All scales were evaluated based on their psychometric quality and alignment with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale emerged as the most reliable among the 11 scales, with the Symptom Checklist-4 ranking as the least reliable. No single assessment tool was adequate for ADHD diagnosis; additional testing was required for accurate conclusions. The literature revealed sex and age biases in some of the assessments. It was discovered that girls were diagnosed with ADHD less often than boys, yet their likelihood of misdiagnosis was notably lower.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This review emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive, multi-method assessment approaches for accurate ADHD diagnosis, as no single tool demonstrated sufficient diagnostic precision. Effective clinical assessment design must incorporate strong psychometric measures, address sex-based diagnostic disparities, and emphasize the importance of evaluating behavioural changes over time and their functional impact across settings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"10 1","pages":"1 - 10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s41252-025-00452-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
James K. Luiselli, Frank Bird, Jill M. Harper, Jennifer Ruane, Mary Jane Weiss
{"title":"Evaluation of Service Provider Knowledge and Perceptions of Trauma-Informed Care","authors":"James K. Luiselli, Frank Bird, Jill M. Harper, Jennifer Ruane, Mary Jane Weiss","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00455-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00455-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>We reviewed studies that evaluated knowledge and perceptions of trauma-informed care (TIC) by service providers of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Studies were identified from an internet search using keywords and selection criteria. Review categories included participants, settings, measurement methods, data analysis, and measurement outcomes.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The review yielded seven studies conducted with diverse populations of service providers at community and residential programs. Results obtained from quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data analysis reflected different levels of TIC awareness, understanding, training, and practice expertise among the research participants.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>There is increased attention towards TIC as an approach and philosophy of care for persons with IDD who have experienced adverse life events. Studies have reported generally favorable impressions of TIC by service providers; however, further evaluation is needed to design integrated models of care, determine requisite organizational resources, and address practitioner training.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"9 3","pages":"507 - 516"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145316309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Harry M. Voulgarakis, Jessica A. Scher Lisa, Marie Carpenter, Paul El-Meouchy
{"title":"Autism and Gender Identity: Social, Cognitive, and Behavioral Profiles in a Self-Identified Sample","authors":"Harry M. Voulgarakis, Jessica A. Scher Lisa, Marie Carpenter, Paul El-Meouchy","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00453-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00453-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The diagnostic rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender-divergent identities have been rising, yet autistic individuals who identify as gender-divergent remain underrepresented in research. This study aimed to examine cognitive, behavioral, and identity-related profiles in autistic adults who self-identify as both neurodivergent and gender-divergent, with particular focus on how gender identity constructs relate to traits such as masking, repetitive behaviors, adaptive skills, and cognitive performance.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Twenty-six participants (ages 18 to 45) who self-identified as autistic completed a battery of standardized measures administered via telehealth. These measures assessed cognition, autistic traits, repetitive behaviors, masking, adaptive functioning, and gender identity. Formal ASD diagnoses were not obtained, and self-diagnosed participants were included.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Results revealed moderate to strong correlations between genderqueer identity and both camouflaging behaviors and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Gender-diverse participants who scored higher on genderqueer identity measures also reported greater masking and higher autistic trait scores.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The findings suggest important diagnostic considerations for gender-diverse autistic individuals. These results indicate that gender identity plays a significant role in the presentation of autism traits, underscoring the need for more inclusive clinical assessments. Further research is necessary to refine diagnostic criteria and explore the intersection of autism and gender identity in diverse populations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"10 1","pages":"72 - 83"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrating Trauma-Informed Care with Behavior Analytic Service Delivery","authors":"Lauren Beaulieu","doi":"10.1007/s41252-025-00450-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41252-025-00450-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This paper aims to provide behavior analysts with a conceptual framework and practical guidance for integrating trauma-informed care (TIC) into behavior analytic service delivery. It addresses common questions raised by practitioners and explores the alignment of TIC principles with ethical and evidence-based behavior analytic practices.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A narrative review and conceptual analysis were conducted to identify key frameworks, empirical findings, and professional guidelines. Questions focused on how TIC principles (i.e., acknowledging trauma, ensuring safety and trust, promoting choice and shared governance, and emphasizing skill building) can be incorporated into behavior assessment and intervention planning were addressed.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>TIC is not inherently embedded in behavior analytic practice but can be implemented through intentional design. Examples include trauma-informed assessment practices, collaborative goal setting, and prioritizing learner assent and well-being. A checklist and examples are provided to support implementation.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>TIC offers a proactive framework to enhance behavioral services, especially for individuals exposed to trauma. Although not a treatment for trauma, TIC fosters safe, responsive environments and supports ethical, person-centered care.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36163,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders","volume":"9 3","pages":"517 - 527"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145316206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}