Evaluating intervention using time aids in children with disabilities

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate complex intervention using time aids for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who exhibit limitations in daily time management. Methods: Participating children (n = 47) (F17/M30) were aged 6–11 with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, mild or moderate intellectual disability, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy. This study used a Randomized Block and Waiting List control group design, with 25 children allocated to control and 22 to intervention group. In total 10 children (21.3%), five from each group, dropped out, leaving 37 children in the data analysis. Results: Children in both groups gained significantly in time-processing ability between the first and second data collection, but the children in the intervention group improved time-processing ability significantly more than controls. The control group also displayed significant changes after receiving intervention between the second and third data collection. The intervention had a large effect (ES Cohen's d = 0.81) on time-processing ability and a medium effect (ES Cohen's d = 0.68) on managing one's time. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that time-processing ability and managing one's time can be improved by intervention using time aids in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting the need to consider time aids in intervention in these children.

Key words::

• assistive devices
• child
• intervention
• time management
• time perception

Acknowledgements

First, the authors would like to thank all 47 participating children and their families. The funding from Clas Groschinskys Minnesfond and Centre for Clinical Research in Dalarna supported the education of the OTs and teachers helping out in this study, including collecting data. The authors are also grateful to Nilbild AB for allowing the use of their pictures in KaTid. Thanks are also offered to Specialpedagogiska Institutet, SIH Läromedel, Umeå for permission to use photos and two painted pictures originating from “Bildbanken”, with design, sample, and photo by Manne Lidén. The funding from Stiftelsen Sunnerdahls Handikappfond and Center for Clinical Research in Dalarna made the research possible.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.