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Comorbidity of DCD and SLI: significance of epileptiform activity during sleep
- Authors:
- SCABAR A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 32(6), November 2006, pp.732-739.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
In children affected by specific language impairment (SLI), many authors have investigated a link between language and epileptiform discharges during sleep resembling the focal sharp waves typical of benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (BECTS), the so-called rolandic spikes. On the other hand, the same electroencephalographic trait occurs in more than 50% of children affected by learning or behavioural disabilities without seizures, supporting the hypothesis of a common genetic disposition. The biological background of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is currently unknown, but a genetic liability may be assumed. The aims of our study were first to estimate the prevalence of sleep-related epileptiform discharges in children affected by DCD and second to investigate the occurrence of DCD in a population of children affected by BECTS. The authors selected a group of eight children with severe DCD. In this group, the presence of epileptiform activity was investigated. We also searched for DCD among a group of 13 children affected by BECTS. The authors found rolandic spikes in more than 70% of the children with severe DCD and severe DCD in more than 30% of the children with BECTS. In children with severe DCD other disabilities are frequently associated. In these children, epileptiform activity during sleep is very frequently found and in our opinion, this represents a hallmark of 'Hereditary Impairment of Brain Maturation', a term only partially resembling 'Atypical Brain Development'.
Comorbidity, co-occurrence, continuum: what's in a name?
- Authors:
- KAPLAN B., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 32(6), November 2006, pp.723-731.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Comorbidity, co-occurrence and continuum are three terms used when referring to developmental problems such as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), but they can be confusing and misleading. Further, the terms can be upsetting to parents, and are not always helpful in guiding the selection of clinical interventions. The main purpose of this paper is to question some of the terminology we employ when referring to DCD and other developmental problems. A secondary purpose is to discuss some of the conceptual frameworks that have been proposed that attempt to address the issue of the interrelationships among developmental problems. The terminology is examined by first referring to the basic dictionary definitions. Second, data published that relate to the issues of co-occurrence and continuum are reviewed in light of the terminology questions. Finally, some alternative conceptual frameworks which more accurately describe the relationships among developmental problems. The term 'comorbidity' has limited relevance to developmental problems, and its use is questionable. In contrast, co-occurrence and continuum are more useful terms to use in regard to developmental problems. Concepts such as atypical brain development and minor neurological dysfunction provide some possible explanations for the increased levels of co-occurrence of developmental disorders in children who are more severely affected.
Contemporary advocacy: providing advocacy for young people with verbal and communication difficulties
- Authors:
- BOYLAN Jane, DALRYMPLE Jane, STARLIING Ros
- Journal article citation:
- Childright, 225, April 2006, pp.28-31.
- Publisher:
- Children's Legal Centre
This article looks at Xpress, a well established advocacy service in East Sussex which provides advocacy for children and young people between the ages of eight and 21 years old. These children are either 'looked after' by a local authority or have left care, or have a learning or physical disability or a mental health difficulty. Many of the children have serious difficulties communicating verbally.