Meta-analysis of Interventions in Adaptive Behavior for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities

• In Event: Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: PS 13 Topic - Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Intellectual Disability (ID) represents limitations in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior that originate before 18 years of age (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013; Schalock et al., 2010; World Health Organization [WHO], 2018). Adaptive behavior is a set of conceptual, social, and practical skills that have been learned and performed by people in their daily lives without warnings, supports or reminders. Early intervention, continuous, and focused on adaptive behavior can increase quality of life and improve the presentation of ID (American Association for Intellectual Disability and Development [AAIDD], 2015). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate adaptive behavior interventions for children and adolescents with ID and to analyze their effectiveness.
We used PRISMA Statement guidelines and the inclusion criteria was: 1. Children and adolescents with ID as participants; 2. Interventions that have AB as a result. We searched for studies published in print or available online any time before February 2020 using three electronic databases: MedLine, Lilacs and PsycINFO. All abstracts (2952) and full paper (26) were independently reviewed by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed using differences from the standardized mean and random analysis model.
Sixteen articles were included in the systematic review. All studies that assessed AB using standardized instruments opted for the Vineland scales (VABS, VABS II or Vineland Social Maturity Scale). Only two articles report clinical observation as the main outcome assessment method. Three articles used behavioral interventions. Five articles studied drug interventions to improve intellectual and adaptive impairment in down syndrome. Three articles reported including the patient's family members in the intervention on adaptive behavior. Seven articles were included in the meta-analysis. The results show high heterogeneity between studies (I² = 71%). Specific analysis was performed between groups by type of intervention. Behavioral interventions show a small improvement in adaptive behavior (0.81 [0.27, 1.85]; I² = 42%; p 0.005).
We concluded that there are a small number of articles that report interventions focused on the AB of children and adolescents with ID. Because of heterogeneity between interventons, there is no consensus on which is the best clinical recommendation for these patients. We highlight the importance of investing in quality studies to increase evidence.

Authors

• Thais Selau, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
  Presenting Author

• Sílvia Cristina Marceliano Hallberg
  Non-Presenting Author

• Denise R Bandeira, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
  Non-Presenting Author