A review of cognitive impairments in children with intellectual disabilities: Implications for cognitive behaviour therapy

Abstract

Clinical implications Effective ways of providing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to children with intellectual disability (ID) is unclear. This study provides a framework of potential adaptations for clinical practice As rates of mental illness for children with intellectual disability are high, and rates of treatment provision low, it is hoped that the recommendations provided in this study will encourage more mental health practitioners to provide CBT to children with ID. Limitations These recommendations are based only upon neuropsychological literature. Trialling the effectiveness of an adapted form of CBT for children and adolescents with ID is required. There are varying causes of intellectual disability, with differences in cognitive profiles. The utility of the recommendations made here may vary according to specific aetiologies.

Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Social Competence in Physically Disabled Adolescents

“…The results also revealed that social work interventions using the CBT had a significant effect on all cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and motivational dimensions among adolescents with physical disability. This finding complies with the results of some studies such as Evans and Allze, Jansson et al and Hronis et al For example, Evans and Allze (2018) demonstrated that CBT decrease the client's feelings of anger and increase their self-esteem [26][27][28].…”

Enhancing cognition through pharmacological and environmental interventions: Examples from preclinical models of neurodevelopmental disorders

“…Cognitive control abnormalities, also termed under the umbrella "executive functions", are among the main key features of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia (Boxhoorn et al, 2018;Conzelmann et al, 2016;Ehlis et al, 2011;Filipe et al, 2018;Garon et al, 2018;Hronis et al, 2017;Joyce et al, 2002;Karalunas et al, 2018;Kerns et al, 2008;Lifshitz et al, 2016;Managó et al, 2016;More and Jensen, 2014;More et al, 2017;Ouhaz et al, 2018;Scheggia et al, 2014;Sidorov et al, 2018;Weinberger et al, 1986). Cognitive control deficits also are described for individuals with prefrontal cortex lesions suggesting that the frontal lobe system area is critically important for this behavior (Miller and Cohen, 2001).…”

Fearless Me!©: A feasibility case series of cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with intellectual disability

“…A review conducted by Hronis, Roberts, and Kneebone () explored the cognitive deficits common in children with ID in the areas of attention, learning, memory, executive functioning, language, and reading, and suggested a range of potential adaptations of CBT specifically aimed to accommodate for difficulties in these domains. In light of these recommendations, the Fearless Me!…”

“…program breaks down the elements of CBT, specifically cognitive challenging, and attempts to provide children and adolescents with opportunities to practice these skills in a fun and engaging way. A range of benefits have been noted relating to the use of technologies and online programs in therapy which are relevant for people with ID, including increased engagement, facilitation of homework practice and a means of teaching relevant skills and techniques (Bendelin et al, ; Gega, Smith, & Reynolds, ; Hronis et al, ; Vereenooghe, Gega, & Langdon, ).…”

“…A case series approach was adopted as this was deemed to be the most appropriate form of evaluation at this time, given that research in this area is still in its infancy. Based upon the clinical experience of the intervention developers and their review of potential intervention adaptations (Hronis, Roberts, Roberts, et al, ) it was expected the intervention would be feasible and acceptable. Furthermore, given the research which shows CBT to be effective for typically developing children with anxiety disorders (e.g., Crowe & McKay, ; Reynolds, Wilson, Austin, & Hooper, ) and for adults with ID (Vereenooghe & Langdon, ), it was predicted it would contribute to the reduction of anxiety for those adolescents with heightened levels before treatment.…”