Research in developmental disabilities
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Review Case Reports
Treatment of hyperthyroidism in Down syndrome: case report and review of the literature.
Thyroid disorders are common in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Hyperthyroidism occurs much less frequently than hypothyroidism in this population, but is likely to be underestimated. ⋯ We also review the literature on the three treatment options for hyperthyroidism in DS: surgery, medical treatment, and radiotherapy. We concluded that the place of radioiodine in the treatment of hyperthyroid patients with DS is yet to be defined.
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Trainer behavior has been neglected as an area of applied research. Feedback has been demonstrated as potentially effective to increase the accuracy of behavior of teachers, parents, ward-staff members, and other service providers in the area of mental retardation. ⋯ Trainees were four individuals with severe mental retardation, who were taught communicative gestures. The results, gathered within a multiple baseline design across dyads of trainers and trainees, showed that delayed feedback resulted in an increased accuracy of training.
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Case Reports
A comparison of shock intensity in the treatment of longstanding and severe self-injurious behavior.
A comparison of shock intensity was conducted while treating a young woman with mental retardation and severe self-injurious behavior (SIB). Two levels of shock intensity were evaluated: 3.5 milliamps (mA) delivered via the Self-Injurious Behavior Inhibiting System (SIBIS) and 18.5 mA delivered via the Hot Shot Power Mite. A combined reversal and multiple baseline across behaviors design was used to evaluate treatment effects. ⋯ Continuous protective restraints were eliminated within the first month of treatment. Progress occurred in personal care, vocational training, independence, and communication. Treatment effects were maintained for approximately 6 months until a relapse occurred after home visits.
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On September 22, 1986, Judge Myron Thompson issued a consent decree in the Wyatt v. Stickney litigation. The settlement occurred 14 years after Judge Frank M. ⋯ The consent decree included termination of the court's active supervision of the state's mental health system, termination of the receivership, and termination of the court monitor's powers. The state agreed to adhere to Wyatt standards, maintain Title XIX accreditation, continue deinstitutionalization efforts, and develop an internal advocacy and quality assurance program. Mechanisms are also to be put in place to apprise the plaintiffs' attorneys of progress in these efforts.