نشریه کودکان استثنایی
سال چهاردهم شماره 1 (پیاپی 51، بهار 1393)

The present study investigated executive functions in students with high functioning Autism (HFA) and students with educable Down syndrome (DS) with Normally developing students, by means of executive functions test (mental flexibility, short term and working memory) in a post hoc research. To fulfill the aim of the study, 15 male students with HFA, 15 male students with educable intellectual disability and 15 normally developing male students were recruited from educational services. The utilized research instruments in this study consisted of The 2nd version of Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS2), Wechsler intelligence Test, Wechsler direct and reverse memory test and Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST). To analyze the data, one-way ANOVA, Multivariate analysis of variances, Univariate Covariate, Multivariate Covariate and Bonforroni and Tukey Post-hoc were used. Covariance analysis manifested that there was only statistically significant difference between high functioning Autism and control groups with respect to the mental flexibility index and perseveration. Moreover there was significant difference between Down syndrome and control group in short-term memory, while other comparisons did not reveal any significant difference between groups. The results indicated that students with HFA, due to having higher level of intellectual ability and acting at a level closer to normally developing students, showed impairment in the executive functioning. Therefore, this reduced the role of intelligence in the executive function level.

The present study examines the impact of cognitive computer games on working memory, attention and cognitive flexibility among students attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study is a quasi-experimental (pretest, posttest control group design). In this study 20 students whom were recognized as ADHD based on Conner's questionnaire clinical interview, and CSI4 test, were chosen and after matching them based on IQ and educational development evaluation. Then, they were assigned as two experimental group (10 students) and control group (10 students). The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Leavene test and Covariance. The results showed a significant difference between the two groups in working memory, attention and cognitive flexibility. Cognitive computer games could improve working memory, attention and cognitive flexibility in students with ADHD. These games lead to the shortening of reaction time and the improvement of information analysis skills. They also increased mental flexibility, processing speed, working memory

The purpose of the present study is to predict cognitive strategies of information processing based on the physical science self-efficacy among gifted high-school students. Method of this study was correlational-descriptive. 324 gifted students were selected by purposive sampling. The questionnaires on Physical Science Self-efficacy were used to evaluate the Self-efficacy in students; and cognitive strategies of information processing were evaluated through questionnaires on Assessing Individual Differences in Learning Processes. Data analysis indicated significant correlations between dimensions of physical science self-efficacy and cognitive strategies of information processing. Students who have higher self-efficacy in problem solving, self-efficacy in lecture and self-efficacy in applying that in their lives, are more capable in using cognitive strategies of information processing, and processing information occurs in deeper levels.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of video modeling and video self–modeling (VSM) interventions on learning of basketball free throws in children with intellectual disabilities. Sixteen children were assigned into two training conditions including video modeling and video self-modeling. The experimental groups were given the same practice method but different types of modeling. Video modeling group observed a videotape of an expert model performing the skill, and the VSM group observed a videotaped reply of their own performance. Participants of the 2 groups took part in 10 acquisition sessions. Results showed that both video modeling and VSM are effective intervention strategies for addressing basketball free throws in children with intellectual disabilities.

The purpose of this research was to study some biometric changes by comparing dermatoglyphic patterns of thumb between normal and congenital deaf girls in the population of Khorasan Razavi, Iran. For this purpose, 79 healthy girls and 51 deaf girls (7 to 18 years old), all from Fars ethnical background, entered the study. The ink prints of their first phalange of the left and right thumbs (1RD, 1LD) were obtained and their dermatoglyphic patterns were compared in terms of quality and quantity. In analyzing the data, we used two soft wares: SPSS16 & MINITABA15. The findings suggest asymmetry in deaf girls due to a significant difference in the ridge count of dermatoglyphic patterns between their right and left thumbs (P<0.05). Also, as for the frequency of the type of dermatoglyphic patterns in both deaf and normal groups, loop type was found to be the maximum and arch type, the minimum. Based on the findings of this study, 1RD and 1LD might be used as indicators of some biometric differences between normal and deaf girls; thus, useful for genetic studies.

This study compares the effect of early and late interventions on social development in students with hearing loss.

It is descriptive-comparative research. The statistical population involved 178 students with hearing loss. To select the sample, random method was used. To collect the data, an author-made questionnaire and a standard questionnaire (Grisham) were used. There was referral to the students’ medical and rehabilitation records. The research hypotheses were analyzed by independent T Test.

The results showed that the age of hearing loss diagnosis and the age of speech therapy has a significant relationship with students’ social development.

There is a significant relationship between early intervention and social development in children with hearing loss.

This article is a review of research regarding ketogenic diet in treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in mentally retarded children. A literature search was conducted using Magiran, PubMed and reference books nutrition. There are valid scientific documents that show this diet reduces seizures in these children. The most common usage of this diet is for children with epilepsy which despite the use of anti-epileptic drugs, their seizures are continued. Ketogenic diet has an important role in the treatment and control of seizures in refractory to treatment epilepsy and this approach should be considered by pediatric neurologists as a alternative treatment in mentally children who affected by drug-resistant epilepsy.