Psychological Research in Individuals with Exceptional Needs (PRIEN)

Lifelong learning is a critical aspect of personal and professional development, and its importance is magnified for adults with special needs. Ensuring that these individuals have access to inclusive and supportive educational opportunities is essential for their empowerment and integration into society. This letter aims to highlight the significance of promoting lifelong learning for adults with special needs and discusses various strategies and programs that have proven effective in enhancing their educational experiences and overall quality of life. Promoting lifelong learning for adults with special needs is a multifaceted endeavor that requires the collaboration of educators, policymakers, community organizations, and the learners themselves. By adopting inclusive policies, leveraging technological advancements, and fostering community support, we can create an educational environment that empowers individuals with special needs to achieve their full potential. The success of programs like Enabled Baristas and the implementation of resource classrooms demonstrate the transformative impact of inclusive education and underscore the importance of continued efforts to support lifelong learning for all.

This study aimed to explore the attachment patterns in children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) by examining the experiences and perceptions of their primary caregivers. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 14 primary caregivers of children diagnosed with FASD. Participants were recruited from specialized clinics and support groups. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focusing on topics such as the nature of the child-caregiver relationship, caregiver perceptions of the child's attachment behaviors, challenges in the attachment relationship, and strategies used to support attachment. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically, with theoretical saturation achieved when no new themes emerged. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: the nature of the child-caregiver relationship, caregiver perceptions of the child's attachment behaviors, challenges in the attachment relationship, and strategies used by caregivers to support attachment. Caregivers emphasized the importance of emotional bonding, effective communication, physical closeness, and consistent caregiving in fostering secure attachment. They reported a range of attachment behaviors, including both secure and insecure patterns, influenced by the neurodevelopmental impairments associated with FASD. Key challenges included managing emotional outbursts, behavioral issues, and balancing caregiving roles. Caregivers employed various strategies such as therapeutic interventions, establishing routines, positive reinforcement, and emotional coaching to support attachment. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the attachment patterns in children with FASD, highlighting the critical role of responsive caregiving and the adaptive strategies used by caregivers. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support systems to enhance attachment and promote the developmental well-being of children with FASD. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of these attachment patterns and the effectiveness of specific interventions.

This study aims to explore the experiences of special education teachers in implementing differentiated instruction (DI) within mixed-ability classrooms. This qualitative research utilized a phenomenological approach to gain in-depth insights into the participants' experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 special education teachers from various schools in a metropolitan area. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure they had significant experience with DI. The interviews, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. The data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the teachers' experiences. The analysis revealed three main themes: challenges in differentiated instruction, strategies for effective differentiation, and perceived effectiveness and outcomes. Teachers reported significant challenges, including resource limitations, managing student diversity, assessment difficulties, increased workload, and issues with parental involvement. To address these challenges, teachers employed strategies such as flexible grouping, curriculum adaptation, professional development, collaborative planning, and enhancing student engagement. The perceived effectiveness of DI included improved student progress, positive changes in classroom dynamics, increased teacher satisfaction, and greater inclusivity. Differentiated instruction is a vital approach in mixed-ability classrooms, promoting equitable learning opportunities for all students. Despite the challenges, the strategic implementation of DI leads to significant positive outcomes in student performance and classroom inclusivity. Schools should support teachers through professional development, adequate resources, and collaborative opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of DI. Further research should focus on larger, diverse samples and mixed-methods approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of DI practices.

This study aims to explore the impact of sleep disorders on daily functioning in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the perspectives of their caregivers. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 23 caregivers of children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with ASD. Participants were recruited through local autism support groups, special education schools, and pediatric clinics. Interviews focused on the types, frequency, and severity of sleep disorders, their impact on the child's behavior, academic performance, social interactions, physical health, and family dynamics, as well as the strategies used to manage these issues. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns from the data. The study identified several types of sleep disorders among children with ASD, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and night terrors, varying in frequency and severity. Sleep disturbances were found to significantly impact daily functioning, leading to behavioral issues, academic challenges, social difficulties, and physical health problems. Caregivers employed a range of coping strategies, such as medical interventions, behavioral routines, environmental modifications, dietary adjustments, and alternative therapies, with varying degrees of success. Barriers to effective management included cost, accessibility, and lack of knowledge. The need for individualized, adaptive approaches to treatment was emphasized. Sleep disorders in children with ASD have profound effects on their daily functioning and overall quality of life. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive, individualized approach that considers the unique needs of each child. Collaboration with caregivers and regular adjustments to intervention strategies are essential for effective management. Further research should focus on larger, more diverse samples and incorporate objective sleep measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these challenges.

The objective of this study was to explore the nutritional challenges and eating habits of children with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD) through qualitative analysis. The focus was on identifying specific sensory sensitivities, emotional and behavioral impacts, and effective management strategies to improve nutritional outcomes. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with caregivers of 20 children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with SPD. Participants were recruited from pediatric therapy centers, support groups, and online forums. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns related to eating behaviors and nutritional challenges. The analysis revealed five main sensory challenges impacting eating habits: texture sensitivity, taste sensitivity, smell sensitivity, visual sensitivity, and temperature sensitivity. Emotional and behavioral impacts included mealtime anxiety, food refusal, and social isolation. Various strategies were employed by parents and professionals to manage these challenges, such as implementing food routines, gradual food exposure, and sensory integration therapy. The study also highlighted nutritional deficiencies and growth concerns associated with restricted diets in children with SPD, as well as success stories where tailored interventions led to improvements in eating habits and overall nutritional status. Children with SPD face significant sensory, emotional, and behavioral challenges that impact their eating habits and nutritional intake. Tailored interventions that address individual sensory profiles and involve a collaborative approach between parents, educators, and healthcare professionals are crucial for managing these challenges effectively. The study underscores the need for ongoing research and practical strategies to support better nutritional outcomes for children with SPD.

This article critically analyzes the role of speech therapy in enhancing the communication skills of children with exceptional needs. It explores the multifaceted nature of speech therapy, encompassing a range of interventions tailored to individual needs. The discussion includes the benefits of speech therapy, such as improvements in speech production, language abilities, social communication, and pragmatic language skills. Challenges and limitations within the field are also examined, along with a comparative analysis of speech therapy against other interventions. Current trends, latest developments, and research gaps in speech therapy are addressed, emphasizing the need for continued research and innovation. The article concludes with policy recommendations and practical implications for evidence-based speech therapy practices, highlighting their significance in promoting holistic development and well-being in children with exceptional needs. Keywords: Speech Therapy, Communication Skills, Children with Exceptional Needs, Critical Analysis.