Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children with Visual Impairment and Blindness
Moire Stevenson, Annie Chatillon & Mariah Lisi
CIUSSS West-Central Montreal
Children with visual impairment and blindness (VIB) are consistently reported to show higher rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ASD-like features than sighted peers, yet the nature of this association remains unclear. A major source of ambiguity lies in the use of assessment tools developed for sighted populations, as these tools rely heavily on visual behaviours such as gaze following, joint attention, and eye contact. In children with VIB, these markers may reflect sensory differences rather than underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis. This commentary critically reviews recent adaptations of standard instruments, alongside the emergence of specialized measures. While adaptations and innovations show promise, their limited validation and integration into clinical practice hinder their impact. The present commentary builds on the findings of the scoping review by Stevenson & Tedone, 2024, which examined studies published between 1995 and 2020. The present work reflects on that body of evidence and notes that additional work since continues to shape understanding in this area. Taken together, these issues highlight the need for assessment frameworks that move beyond sighted developmental norms, prioritizing tools and training designed for non-sighted children. Only with rigorously validated instruments, longitudinal research and formalized guidelines can clinicians distinguish between neurodevelopmental disorders and expected development in children with VIB.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2025/2.1169 View / Download PdfOPTIMAL Theory-Based Interactive Image Making to Improve Gait and Quality of Life in Parkinson Disease
Paria Darbandsari1, Clare Benson2, Jacqueline Coley1, Charlotte Grey2, Taylor O'Neill1, Nicole Spatafore1, Emily Zarrilli1, Cristina Colón-Semenza1
1Department of Kinesiology, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
2Department of Art and Art History, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
Purpose: Parkinson disease (PD) is characterized by aberrant control of movement resulting in impaired gait. Physical therapy plays a critical role in symptom management; however, sustained improvements require continued practice of gait. This pilot feasibility study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and initial efficacy of gait training with interactive image making based on OPTIMAL theory in people with PD.
Methods: 11 participants were randomized into the experimental or control group and underwent 16, 50-minute sessions with a licensed physical therapist during the 8-week training period. The experimental group (n=6) engaged in gait training with interactive image making informed by the OPTIMAL theory, while the control group (n=5) engaged in gait training plus observation of landscape images not constructed using the OPTIMAL theory. Feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness were assessed by recruitment, attendance, retention rates, and safety and by participant-reported outcome measures (Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM), and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). Secondary outcomes assessed gait speed, gait endurance, physical activity, motivation, and quality of life (QoL).
Results: Primary outcomes all exceeded the criterion levels (FIM, AIM, and IAM (criterion 75%; 76%, 89%, and 88% of agreement, respectively), attendance (criterion 70%; 98.86%), retention (criterion 90%; 100%). Secondary outcomes demonstrated improvement at the individual and group level.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that gait training through interactive image making is a safe, feasible, and acceptable intervention that may improve gait, mobility, and QoL in people with PD. Future research is needed to explore this effect and its mechanisms further within larger randomized controlled trials.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2025/2.1168 View / Download PdfRehabilitation Using Dynamic Body Weight Support After Multiple Trauma
Jennifer K. Bodine1,4, Megan Haught1, Matthew Erby2, Erin Y. Harmon3
1Cardiopulmonary and Orthopedic Department, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Schenectady, NY.
2Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Schenectady, NY.
3Research Institute, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Schenectady, NY.
4Cardiopulmonary and Orthopedic Department, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, 1270 Belmont Avenue, Schenectady, NY, 12308. (518) 382-4525.
Traumatic injuries involving multiple body systems present unique challenges to traditional rehabilitative approaches. There is limited evidence informing effective rehabilitation strategies for patients with complex multi-system conditions. This case report describes how a dynamic body weight support (DBWS) system assisted in the rehabilitation of a 73-year-old woman with multiple trauma following a motor vehicle strike. Multiple injuries were sustained, including fractures of the upper and lower extremities, ribs and pelvis. The patient was unable to mobilize while maintaining weightbearing precautions without the assistance of 2-3 skilled therapists. Trials of DBWS allowed for safe practice of sit-to-stand, transfers, and ambulation, while maintaining all precautions. DBWS was well tolerated by the patient, and allowed for significant mobility gains during inpatient rehabilitation. This report details the first trials of DBWS in a patient with multiple trauma. Given the variability of medical considerations in patients with multiple injuries, interdisciplinary collaboration between rehabilitation therapists and orthopedic surgical teams can help inform rehabilitation strategies. In cases where patients have conflicting weightbearing precautions, the use of dynamic body weight support systems can facilitate safe mobilization while ensuring adherence to set precautions.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2025/1.1167 View / Download PdfDescribing a Music Therapy Based Socialization Program for an Integrated Stroke Unit
Briana Gregoris* and Anna M Sewell
Mackenzie Health Organization, Vaughan, Ontario
A music therapy program was started at a large multicultural community hospital North of Toronto in September 2023. Situated on the integrated stroke unit, this program has become a cornerstone in after-stroke recovery. The program focuses on lived experiences during and after a stroke and is intended to assist patients with healing and coping. This paper is not a research article. This article describes a novel music therapy program and the core elements. The article will also share satisfaction feedback from both patients and staff involved in the unit. The article also outlines future goals for further integration of music therapy into other aspects of care and treatment on the integrated stroke unit. Currently, the stroke network consisting of 5 district stroke hospitals and many community hospitals, of which this program is situated do not offer any other music therapy programs. There is research happening at a comparably sized hospital within the network with a focus on music and post-stroke depression. Patient feedback about this current program describes the session as catalyst for inspiration, a place to connect, mood-lifting, motivational and reminiscent. Patients also introduce the cultural considerations of the program. Staff feedback echoed the positive experiences of the patients. Staff felt that the patients were eager to participate in and noted a marked difference in behavior/mood after attending. The staff members felt it helped their patients' overall recovery.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2025/4.1166 View / Download PdfThe Rehabilitation of Refugees Who are Victims of Torture in ASL Rome1 SAMIFO Centre
Silvia Capretti, Erica Sansone, Giancarlo Santone*
SAMIFO Centre, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
Recent evidence indicates that barriers to accessing social, health, and rehabilitation services disproportionately affect disadvantaged populations, particularly forced migrants. Within this group, refugees who have endured severe trauma—such as torture and other forms of intentional violence—experience heightened vulnerabilities.
To address these complex needs, the SaMiFo Centre (Forced Migrants Health Service) of ASL Roma 1 was established in 2006. The centre provides specialized care with a specific focus on survivors of torture and intentional violence, operating through an integrated model that brings together public health institutions and private social organizations.
Since 2017, rehabilitation services developed in accordance with national guidelines for victims of torture have strengthened both prevention and treatment strategies. Rehabilitation is conceptualized as a coordinated response to multifaceted health and social needs, ensuring continuity of care. This model also incorporates vocational training and employment support as essential components of individualized rehabilitation plans.
In 2024, the Support Network for Survivors of Torture (REEST) was launched, co-founded by SaMiFo, with the aim of fostering collaboration between specialized services and the wider social, cultural, and economic sectors—thereby promoting both recovery and social inclusion.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2025/1.1162 View / Download PdfDynamic Overground Body Weight-Supported Gait Rehabilitation in a Mechanically Ventilated Patient
Megan Haught1, Jennifer K. Bodine1, Ahmed Y. Khan2, Joseph Hayter1, Kristin Seaburg3, Amy E. Teale4,5
1Cardiopulmonary and Orthopedic Department, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Schenectady, NY.
2Schenectady Pulmonary Critical Care, Schenectady, NY.
3Patient Therapies Department, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Schenectady, NY.
4James A. Eddy Research Institute, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Schenectady, NY.
5Address correspondence to Amy Teale, James A. Eddy Research Institute, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Schenectady, NY
Objective: Sufficient patient mobilization can be difficult to achieve with mechanical ventilation during a patient’s hospital stay. This case report describes the novel use of overground dynamic body weight-supported (DBWS) gait and balance training in a mechanically ventilated patient. Feasibility and safety of the device are demonstrated for this case, and the patient’s recovery trajectory and outcomes are described.
Methods (Case Description): A 68-year-old female admitted to inpatient rehabilitation following a prolonged hospital stay received dynamic body weight-supported gait and balance training while mechanically ventilated. DBWS gait and balance training session parameters were tracked and functional outcomes assessed at regular intervals.
Results: DBWS gait training was well-tolerated; the patient demonstrated immediate carryover to overground ambulation and improved endurance following several sessions. Patient progression warranted changes to the type and duration of DBWS training activities across sessions, all of which were well-accommodated by the DBWS system.
Conclusion: Dynamic body weight support-based training was a safe, effective means of engaging this mechanically ventilated patient in overground gait training during her inpatient rehabilitation stay. Specific guidelines and precautions can ensure that each patient is a good match for this modality before initiating therapy sessions. In addition, patients should be continuously reassessed, and adjustments made as therapy progresses.
Impact: To our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe the use of overground DBWS gait training in a mechanically ventilated patient, with demonstrated feasibility, safety, and functional outcome improvement. It also provides clinical guidance for patient selection and overground gait training therapy sessions.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2025/3.1164 View / Download PdfDevelopment of the Accredited Duchenne Centers Program, a Global Program to Achieve Uniform and Up-to-date Care for All People Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Imelda JM De Groot1, Karolina Podolská1, Nathalie Goemans2, Elizabeth Vroom1
1World Duchenne Organization, Veenendaal, The Netherlands
2Chair Advisory board Accredited Duchenne Centers Program, Leuven, Belgium
Nowadays it is common that a center specialized in a disease or type of diseases achieves an accreditation if they work according to the standards developed by the field. We developed an accreditation program for Duchenne muscular dystrophy specifically focussing on the care. We often hear the comment that centers state they are already accredited by a different organization. In this commentary we like to elucidate that there is a difference between all these accreditations. It depends on what the center wants when it applies for a specific type of accreditation.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2025/3.1165 View / Download PdfTraining Program to Improve Exercise Capacity in Children after Cardiac Surgery
Janneke C. van Egmond-van Dam1, Nico A. Blom2,3, Arend D.J. ten Harkel2
1Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center1, Leiden, The Netherlands
2Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
3Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Purpose
Postoperative training of children with congenital heart disease is not as common as in adults, but its importance is indicated by many reports. Aim of this article is to inform other practitioners of a detailed description of a post-operative training, now in use at the Leiden University Medical Center.
Methods
As part of the postoperative standard care, children are invited to voluntarily participate in a physical training program. Children are eligible if they are 6-18 years old, live in the Netherlands, are at least six weeks after their surgery, and have permission of the treating pediatric cardiologist. Goals for participating in the training program were improving physical condition, diminishing fatigue, not caused by heart problem, and diminishing fear in child/parent to move. Changes before and after the workouts are recorded with a maximum exercise test and questionnaires.
Training program
The fixed training program lasts three months, three times a week. It is based on high-intensity interval training with short dynamic training exercises. During these three months, the training intensity increases from 50 to 80% of the heart rate reserve, the exercise time increases and breaks between exercises decreases.
Conclusion
The present postoperative rehabilitation program gives an important addition to current literature. Further research to evaluate the present program will provide more insight into the effectiveness of the present rehabilitation program.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2022/2.1130 View / Download Pdf