Current Developmental Disorders Reports 

About: Current Developmental Disorders Reports is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Autism & Autism spectrum disorder. It has an ISSN identifier of 2196-2987. Over the lifetime, 268 publications have been published receiving 4350 citations. The journal is also known as: Current developmental disorders reports$pexi.

Systematic Review of the Prevalence and Incidence of Intellectual Disabilities: Current Trends and Issues

Abstract: The prevalence of intellectual disabilities is often quoted at 1 %. A meta-analysis of articles published between 1980 and 2009 confirmed this prevalence. Changes in diagnostic practices, population characteristics, and exposure to known risk factors in recent years place this estimate in question and make it imperative to examine more recent studies of prevalence and incidence. Twenty relevant articles were obtained from five databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane, and MEDLINE), published between 2010 and 2015. Most studies (n = 17) only reported prevalence estimates, while two provided incidence estimates. Various methodologies were applied, with the majority of studies (n = 16) using administrative data. Heterogeneity in study settings, methodologies, age groups, and case definitions contributed to a range of prevalence estimates (0.05 to 1.55 %). Future research should include reproducible and consistent definitions of intellectual disabilities, provide age-specific estimates, and monitor changes in prevalence over time.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Defining Dimensions and Subgroups

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder associated with the presence of social-communication deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors In the latest conceptualization of ASD, these two behavioral dimensions represent the core defining features of ASD, whereas associated dimensions, such as intellectual and language ability, provide a means for describing the ASD heterogeneity In addition, the characterization of ASD subgroups, defined by the presence of known medical, genetic, or other psychiatric disorders, furthers our understanding of ASD heterogeneity This paper reviews the history of autism, describes its core defining features, and provides an overview of the clinically and etiologically relevant subgroups that add to the complexity of this condition

Dyslexia: the Role of Vision and Visual Attention.

Abstract: Dyslexia is more than just difficulty with translating letters into sounds. Many dyslexics have problems with clearly seeing letters and their order. These difficulties may be caused by abnormal development of their visual "magnocellular" (M) nerve cells; these mediate the ability to rapidly identify letters and their order because they control visual guidance of attention and of eye fixations. Evidence for M cell impairment has been demonstrated at all levels of the visual system: in the retina, in the lateral geniculate nucleus, in the primary visual cortex and throughout the dorsal visuomotor "where" pathway forward from the visual cortex to the posterior parietal and prefrontal cortices. This abnormality destabilises visual perception; hence, its severity in individuals correlates with their reading deficit. Treatments that facilitate M function, such as viewing text through yellow or blue filters, can greatly increase reading progress in children with visual reading problems. M weakness may be caused by genetic vulnerability, which can disturb orderly migration of cortical neurones during development or possibly reduce uptake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are usually obtained from fish oils in the diet. For example, M cell membranes require replenishment of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid to maintain their rapid responses. Hence, supplementing some dyslexics' diets with DHA can greatly improve their M function and their reading.

Differential Diagnosis of Pediatric Speech Sound Disorder

Abstract: Theoretical accounts and clinical management of pediatric speech sound disorders (SSD) are limited by previous research. Participants’ speech difficulties have been inadequately described, reflecting the lack of clarity in existing diagnostic guidelines. Performance measures have primarily focused on the articulation of consonants in single words rather than phonological competence and the cognitive-linguistic abilities underlying speech development. Evidence-based practice reviews conflate studies of heterogeneous speech-disordered populations who received widely differing amounts of therapy using different intervention approaches. More recently, however, researchers have begun to explore assessment measures that allow differential diagnosis of subgroups of SSD in terms of qualitative analyses of speech errors and underlying cognitive linguistic abilities. These measures have allowed long-term follow-up to better predict which children will have future literacy difficulties and to identify specific underlying deficits that inform intervention.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Recent Neuroimaging Findings.

Abstract: Since the identification of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome over 40 years ago, much has been learned about the detrimental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing brain. This review highlights recent neuroimaging studies, within the context of previous work. Structural magnetic resonance imaging has described morphological differences in the brain and their relationships to cognitive deficits and measures of facial dysmorphology. Diffusion tensor imaging has elaborated on the relationship between white matter microstructure and behavior. Atypical neuromaturation across childhood and adolescence has been observed in longitudinal neuroimaging studies. Functional imaging has revealed differences in neural activation patterns underlying sensory processing, cognition and behavioral deficits. A recent functional connectivity analysis demonstrates reductions in global network efficiency. Despite this progress much remains unknown about the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the brain, and continued research efforts are essential.