Beyond behavioural observations: a deeper view through the sensory reactions of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Lima, M (Author) Other; Silva, K (Author) Other; Amaral, I (Author) Other; Magalhaes, A (Author) ICBAS; de Sousa, L (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Child: Care, Health and Development

Vol. 39

Pages: 422-431

ISSN: 0305-1862

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 14 Citations

Scopus - 16 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Clinical medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-005-1BQ

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01334.x

Abstract (EN): Background The present study was aimed at assessing the behavioural and physiological responsiveness of three children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities to a set of sensory stimuli. Methods Eighteen items, believed' by clinicians to be appropriate for routine interventions, were presented to the participants and responsiveness was assessed in terms of: (i) consistent behavioural and electrodermal reactions and (ii) biphasic changes in heart rate. Results Results were twofold. First, all participants showed frequent consistent physiological reactions but rare consistent behavioural ones. Second, all participants showed biphasic changes in heart rate, pointing to the possibility of different appraisals (novelty and pleasantness) of most of the presented items. Conclusions Data here presented may have implications for the development and the emotional well-being of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in that it suggests that reactions to, and potential appraisals of, sensory stimuli may occur despite the lack of consistent observable behaviours.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10