Contextual factors influencing the developmental characteristics of young children with severe to profound intellectual disability: A critical review

ABSTRACT

Background In typical development, primarily contextual factors at the family level are clearly associated with child developmental outcomes. In contrast, knowledge about the contextual factors influencing the developmental characteristics of children (0–12 years) with severe to profound intellectual disability is scarce.

Method Through computerised searches of 4 bibliographic databases, 54 studies were identified.

Results The included studies were characterised by the use of small study populations and nonvalidated research instruments, as well as by strong research designs and detailed reporting of individual results. The majority of the studies evaluated procedures based on behaviourist learning theory, mostly aimed at reducing nonadaptive behaviour or stimulating choice behaviour. The studied factors proved to be generally effective.

Conclusions Family and parenting factors are one of the most striking gaps in the current literature about the development of children with intellectual disability. Also, further research on long-term developmental changes and bidirectional influences is necessary.

KEYWORDS:

• children with a disability
• severe to profound intellectual disability
• contextual factors
• developmental characteristics
• review

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Stephy Colla and Lien Vanderkerken for their initial work on the project within which this review is embedded and their support throughout the realisation of this article. We also thank the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Flanders, Belgium) for their financial support for this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Flanders, Belgium) [grant number ZKC9876]. This funding body has not imposed any restrictions on free access to or publication of the research data, and there are no financial or nonfinancial conflicts of interest.