Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterized by several cognitive and behavioral problems such as inattention and impulsivity, abnormal control of eye movements and relocation, visual fixation and visuospatial perception. There is a link between core motor functions such as oculomotor function and cognition to the extent that the oculomotor system acts as a mediator between the motor and cognitive functions. Therefore, the effects of eye-tracking intervention were investigated on attention in these children. Thirty - nine boys with ADHD, 6 to 10 years of age were recruited and randomized to receive current occupational therapy (control group), or occupational therapy accompanied with eye-tracking exercises (experimental group). They were evaluated using the Conner's Parent Rating Scale, the Continuous Performance Task-2, and the Test of Visual-Motor Skills-Revised before and after the intervention. Significant improvements in the mean scores of cognitive problems (F=9/22), coping behavior (F=6.03) and hyperactivity (F=9.77) were detected in the posttest between the two groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, in the Continuous Performance Test scores, detectability (F=5.68), omission errors (F=17.89), commission errors (F=19.45), reaction time (F=8.95), variability (F=7.07), and preservation (F=6.33) showed significant differences between control and experimental groups (p<0.01). It appears that eye-tracking interventions designed based on the isolation of neck and eye movement might have an important role in improving cognitive function and coping behaviors in these children. It seems that these exercises could increase eye movement control; improve cognitive function and response inhibition.
Objectives: This study aimed to develop a modulated program of parenting skills and to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing autistic symptoms and increasing parental adjustment.Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized in two phases, a pretest-posttest design and a control group. First, a treatment program with both individual and group structure was constructed considering available treatments such as cognitive-behavior therapy, social stories, and play therapy catered to autistic children and the needs of their families. The program consisted of techniques such as acceptance, common cognitive errors challenge, control of thoughts, emotions and behavior, the principles of reward and punishment, and crisis management etc. The validity of the program was confirmed by four experts. Secondly, 26 volunteer qualified couples selected from the parents were referred to a rehabilitation center in Tehran, and were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The pretest was performed for all participants. Then, the control group was kept away from the program during the 10 sessions of group, four sessions of individual, and two sessions of family therapy for each couple in the experiment group.Results: Univariate analysis of Covariance showed that the program significantly improved marital adjustment in parents (F=22.018, P=0.001), and successfully reduced the symptoms of autistic disorder in social interaction (F=5.733, P=0.027) and relations (F=10.07, P=0.005). However, it did not significantly affect stereotyped behaviors (F=4.304, P=0.053) and development (F=0.448, P=0.511) of autistic children in the experimental group. Discussion:The compiled parenting program is recommended to improve parental empowerment for the families of autistic children, because it is capable of reducing autistic symptoms in social interaction and relationships as well as improving marital adjustment in such families. A B S T R A C T
Objective Because of the increasing number of people with disabilities and the lack of awareness of disability prevention methods in developing countries, creating a proper rehabilitation structure and providing appropriate services are among the important goals of every health system. Conducting comparative studies is one of the research methods for reviewing the structure of the rehabilitation system in the country’s health system. This study aimed to compare the rehabilitation structure in Iran with 5 other countries. Materials & Methods This research is a comparative study conducted in 2022. In this study, sampling was purposeful. Five countries of Germany, Japan, Canada, Turkey, and South Africa were compared in terms of organizational and health management, financial and legal components, and social policy components with Iran. Reliable databases and related resources in the rehabilitation structure were used to collect data. In this study, the obtained data were analyzed using the Bereday model containing four stages: Description, interpretation, proximity, and comparison. The findings were evaluated in a comparative table. Results The findings indicated that in terms of organization and health management, the Ministry of Health should be responsible for health management and rehabilitation, but in Iran, in addition to the Ministry of Health, the Red Crescent, the Martyr Foundation, and Exceptional Education Organization are also involved in the management of rehabilitation. Financial issues and problems are significant barriers for people with disabilities to access rehabilitation services in these countries. In Iran, a large part of these costs is paid from the pockets of families. Regarding legal components in Iran, as in other countries, specific rules exist to provide services to people with disabilities. But sometimes, these rules are not properly implemented. From the sociodemographic perspective, Iran has an aging population, welcomes immigrants, and holds diverse cultures. The access of all people in need of rehabilitation in this diverse population to the services needed is limited. In terms of policy components, regulating national health policy requires review and, if necessary, changes in existing health system policies. Conclusion The existence of a specific position for rehabilitation in the Iranian health system, provision of services, and management of rehabilitation affairs by a single organization such as the Ministry of Health, as well as proper implementation of laws and policies, can lead to structural improvement and management of the health system and rehabilitation. Financial obstacles and problems to rehabilitation services should be reduced, and government and insurance must cover most of the costs of rehabilitation services. Also, a review of national health policies and legislation in the country should be done to improve the access of all people with disabilities to health and rehabilitation services. Therefore, it is necessary to fundamentally review and reform the structure, value, and process of providing rehabilitation services.
Objectives Rehabilitation is one of the basic services for the elderly and people with disabilities and provides the possibility of equal opportunities and participation in the society. In fact, it is one of the main pillars of the health; however, less attention has been paid to this issue in Iran, and it does not have a specific place in the health system. The present study aims to find barriers and facilitators regarding rehabilitation programs for the elderly and people with disabilities in Iran. Methods & Materials This is a qualitative study using content analysis method. Participants were 13 experts in different fields of rehabilitation who were selected using a purposive sampling method which continued until the data saturation. The data were collected using a semi-structured in-depth interview from February 2021 to February 2022. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and then were analyzed by using conventional content analysis method and using constant comparative analysis. Results Two main categories of barriers and facilitators, each with 4 sub-categories were identified. The barriers were: High number of rehabilitation trustees, lack of awareness of officials and people, lack of attention to the role of the municipality in rehabilitation, and poor rehabilitation management. Facilitators were: Building culture in the field of rehabilitation and disability, improving the insight of officials, the role of rehabilitation specialists, benefiting from the experiences of other countries Conclusion The identified barriers and facilitators can help officials and policymakers in Iran to improve the status of rehabilitation and provide better services to people with disabilities.
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