The aim of this study was to investigate how peers influence adolescent body image, and whether this influence was positive and/or negative from young peoples’ perspectives. One hundred and eleven adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from the Republic of Ireland participated in this study, in 17 focus groups. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings demonstrated that peers have an overwhelming negative impact on adolescent body image, and consequently, health. Both boys and girls revealed that the peer environment is characterized by a significant pressure to conform to appearance expectations, and deviations from such expectations lead to negative peer experiences. Positive peer influences were also revealed but to a far lesser extent.

Accessible summary• This study looked for information about the quality of life of adolescents with Down syndrome.• We found two studies about quality of life that included the voice of the adolescent with Down syndrome. Most of the research includes parents' voices. Parents' views are important, but we need to also include adolescents with Down syndrome in research about their lives. • Friends, family and independence are important to adolescents with Down syndrome. • More information on quality of life is needed to help us understand more about their individual needs. Abstract Background: There is a wealth of research on adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) covering a large range of topics such as obesity, speech and language, education and health-related quality of life. However, for quality of life, much of the available literature for adolescents with DS relies on parent proxy reporting. This results in more research on parent's perspectives rather than from the individuals with DS themselves. Aim: This study aimed to examine the literature to identify the literature that included the voice of adolescents with DS in research about quality of life. It aimed to address the research question: What evidence exists in relation to the perspectives of adolescents with DS about their quality of life? Method: A scoping review allowed for an extensive range of research and nonresearch material to be gathered. Search terms were identified, followed by searches of five electronic databases, Google scholar and Lenus (Irish Health Repository). Two researchers conducted the review. Studies were selected through inclusion/exclusion criteria. A chart summarised information from the selected studies.Results: A total of 596 articles were marked for title and abstract screening. Fortyfive articles were included for full-text review. Forty-three of these met exclusion criteria, resulting in two articles which included the voices of adolescents with DS themselves. For adolescents with DS, participation socially and in their communities was important as well as friendships, family relationships and functional independence. These themes need to be further explored. | 99 SHERIDAN Et Al. How to cite this article: Sheridan C, OMalley-Keighran M-P, Carroll C. What are the perspectives of adolescents with Down syndrome about their quality of life? A scoping review. Br J Learn Disabil. 2020;48:98-105. https ://doi.

No abstract

The study provides an insight into the nature of interaction coaching provided by healthcare professionals during a parent training programme. It identifies the types of language used during interaction coaching. It also highlights additional important aspects of interaction coaching such as the ability of healthcare professionals to adjust the directness of the coaching in order to achieve the intended parental response to the child's interaction. The findings may be used to increase the awareness of healthcare professionals about the types of speech acts used during interaction coaching as well as the manner in which coaching sessions are conducted.

No abstract

According to Sydor (2013), it is critical to include all vulnerable, hard-to-reach groups in research in order to identify their specific needs. Transgender individuals can be considered as belonging to such groups. Speech, language, and non-verbal communication are often strongly related to gender. For transgender individuals experiencing mismatches between existing communication behaviours and their true gender, changes to these aspects of communication can help improve quality of life and mental health. Research has indicated that speech and language therapy (SLT) can successfully support the transgender (TG) community’s communication needs but, internationally, this intervention is under-utilised (Gelfer and Tice 2013; Hancock and Garabedian 2013). This qualitative study aimed to investigate the TG community’s understanding of the role of SLT in relation to their voice, language, and communication needs. It also explored how the TG community access the available care pathways and what factors are considered when making decisions relating to their participation in SLT. Two main themes, communication and SLT were identified. This study identified a continuing need to raise awareness of the breadth of the role of SLT within the TG community. As there is no defined referral pathway to SLT services, the research highlighted a need for the SLT profession to provide details of all trans-competent clinicians and to ensure that other members of the medical profession who interact with the trans community utilise this information to provide appropriate referrals.Keywords: transgender; communication needs; speech and language therapy; qualitative research; hard-to-reach; thematic analysis

No abstract