Clinical Implications of Temperamental Characteristics in Young Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Temperament refers to the behavioral style of an individual, or the tendency to behave in a certain way in a certain situation. Although temperament has been studied extensively in typically developing children, relatively little research concerning individual differences in the behavioral styles of young children with developmental disabilities has been conducted. The purposes of this article are: (1) to provide a brief review of the literature with regard to temperament and outcomes for children with developmental disabilities and, (2) to explore methods for integrating temperament information into early intervention practice. Consistent with the research on temperament and goodness of fit (Chess & Thomas, 1996), this article proposes that children with developmental disabilities who present with extreme scores in specific domains of temperament may benefit from specific early intervention practices. Ideas for linking practice with child temperament are presented, particularly for children who are resistant to change, non-persistent, or difficult to distract.

Diagnosing Autism in Individuals with Known Genetic Syndromes: Clinical Considerations and Implications for Intervention

“…Family stressors and significant life events can also adversely impact a child's receptivity to intervention (Guralnick & Cordon, 2007). The child's temperament may not be a good fit for the intervention approach, thus compromising adaptive gains (Hepburn, 2003). Therefore, a lack of developmental progress should signal further assessment, of the child, the interventions, and the social/educational context.…”

How Temperament and Personality Contribute to the Maladjustment of Children With Autism

“…Many theorists suggest that individual differences in temperament and personality could also help to explain why only part of the children with ASD develop emotional or behavioral problems (Eaves et al 1994;Hepburn 2003;Leyfer et al 2006;Wing 1997). This wide range of maladaptive behaviors continues to be an important part of the heterogeneity of the autism phenotype for which the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood (Bryson and Smith 1998).…”

Myelomeningocele, Temperament Patterns, and Parental Perceptions

“…18,[39][40][41] There is substantial evidence that child temperament influences parenting stress in children with chronic disabilities. 42 It is hardly unexpected that the feelings and emotional reserve of caregivers would have an impact on the quality of "read and respond" when interacting with the child with MM/SH. A better understanding of the child's individual temperament profile, within the context of the underlying neurodevelopmental differences, may positively shape the caregiver-child interaction.…”

“…42,[47][48][49][50][51] Suskauer et al 51 studied the temperament patterns of children with osteogenesis imperfecta and compared them with age-matched norms. This group represents a cohort, like those with MM/SH, who have a congenital condition with chronic manifestations that affect orthopedic issues and motor development.…”