Now showing 1 - 10 of 21
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Evaluating acquisition, preference and discrimination in requesting skills between picture exchange and iPad®-based speech generating device across preschoolers
    (Sage, 2021)
    Yong, Yvonne Hui Lin
    ;
    ; ;
    Yeong, Adeline Mun Yan
    This study compared a picture exchange (PE) system and an iPad®-based speech generating device (SGD) when teaching requesting skills to preschoolers with developmental disabilities and limited functional speech. A multiple baseline design with counterbalancing the order of two instruction conditions across participants was applied to compare the acquisition rate, followed by a concurrent operant arrangement to examine participants’ preference for these two augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Discrimination of two picture symbols presented via the priority AAC system was also probed using a concurrent operant arrangement. Results indicated that two of three participants required less sessions to reach mastery for the iPad®-based instruction condition. All participants showed a clear preference for the iPad®-based SGD and were able to discriminate between two picture symbols presented simultaneously on the iPad®-based SGD when making requests. This study highlights practice implications in terms of describing a systematic approach that could be employed when identifying a priority AAC system for learners with developmental disabilities and limited functional speech.
    WOS© Citations 3Scopus© Citations 1  330  428
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Construct, convergent and discriminant validity of the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale for Singapore
    (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2019) ;
    Xie, Huichao
    ;
    ;
    Family quality of life (FQoL) constitutes an important aspect of early intervention. However, the culture bound nature of this construct necessitates validation of FQoL measures when being used in a culture different from the one in which they were developed. This study sought to understand the psychometric properties and construct validity of the Beach Center FQoL (BCFQoL) scale in Singapore. Data from 307 caregivers of children in an early intervention programme were used. These caregivers completed the BCFQoL scale and external validity measures of family outcomes, psychological distress and life situation. Confirmatory factor analysis and correlations were used to examine the factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity of the BCFQoL scale. Results indicated support for five FQoL dimensions and a higher-order FQoL factor. External convergent and discriminant validity, as well as internal statistical discriminant validity of the individual BCFQoL dimensions were supported. Despite evidence of internal statistical discriminant validity, there was little variation in the strength of the relationships between individual BCFQoL dimensions and the various external validity measures. Overall, the results of this study support the use of the BCFQoL scale as a valid measure of FQoL in Singapore.
    WOS© Citations 12Scopus© Citations 11  353  271
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder in Singapore
    It has been reported that there is a rise in the number of individuals being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Singapore along with evolving changes in public awareness, attitudes, and levels of financial support occurring in the field in recent years. As such, this column presents the current status and issues related to the identification, provision of early intervention services, education, and transition into youth/adults for individuals with ASD in Singapore. Additional needs and future recommendations are also included.
    WOS© Citations 2Scopus© Citations 4  165  2025
  • Publication
    Embargo
    Changing professional identities: A qualitative study of how Singapore allied educators managed their own resistance to change
    (Taylor & Francis, 2024) ;
    Ow Yeong, Wai Mang Elizabeth
    ;
    In order to recruit sufficient special education allied educators for children with mild special education needs in Singapore public schools, the government removed the general education allied educators scheme, and offered its incumbents the opportunity to retrain as Allied Educators (Learning and Behavioural Support). This qualitative research traced the mid-career identity change process of seven allied educators who accepted this offer. Analysis of interviews using Corbin and Strauss’s grounded theory produced 13 themes grouped into five categories. The five propositions derived from these categories showed how participants managed their resistance to professional identity change by recognising the similarities between their current and new roles and identities; and by experiencing the new role under the mentorship of senior Allied Educators (Learning and Behavioural Support). This resistance self-management process resulted in participants’ increased commitment to their new identities. Implications for facilitating professional identity changes amongst educators are discussed.
      49  155
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Developing and piloting a computerized adaptive test for a culturally appropriate measure of adaptive behavior
    Culturally bounded in nature, adaptive behavior is the degree to which a person meets the requirements of personal independence and social responsibilities. This study aimed to develop a computerized adaptive test (CAT) of a culturally appropriate adaptive behavior measure (i.e., the Activities and Participation Rating Scale [APRS]) in the Singapore context for children aged 7 to 12 years, that is, the CAT-APRS-Primary. In Study 1, an item bank consisting of 310 adaptive skills was developed and piloted among 56 caregivers. In Study 2, the refined 310 items were calibrated using Rasch analysis among 352 caregivers. After the removal of five poor items based on the Rasch analysis, the finalized 305 items were used for the CAT development, with these items showing good Rasch person and item fit statistics. Preliminary utility of the CAT-APRS-Primary was established, with participants completing 24 items on average. Limitations and implications for future research were discussed.
    WOS© Citations 2Scopus© Citations 2  334  295
  • Publication
    Embargo
    Training in-service teachers in functional behavior assessment and function-based interventions: A scoping review
    (Springer, 2024) ; ;
    Nair, Rahul
    Functional behavior assessment (FBA) and function-based interventions are empirically validated interventions employed in schools. Teachers play a necessary role in the development and implementation of these individualized behavior plans to prevent and manage student challenging behavior. The current study sought to conduct a scoping review on the content and instructional delivery of FBA and function-based interventions’ training for in-service teachers. We employed methods consistent with standards for systematic review and meta-analysis (e.g., Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses [PRISMA]). The methodological rigor of included studies was also evaluated using Cochrane’s tool for assessing the risk of bias and what works clearinghouse guidelines for group and single case experimental design studies, respectively. Five databases were searched, and our initial search yielded 20,827 articles. After deleting duplicates on Endnote 9, titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers resulting in 177 articles for full text article screening. Full text article screening across two independent reviewers resulted in nine studies for further thematic analyses of results based on this scoping review’s inclusion criteria. Implications of findings for future research and practice directions in in-service teacher professional development are further discussed.
      52  83
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Comparing online learning experiences between university students with and without special educational needs during COVID-19
    (The International Academic Forum, 2024)
    Lim, Yun Ting
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    ;
    The aim of this study is to examine the online learning experiences of university students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and how their experiences might differ from their typically developing peers. Fifty typically developing students (mean age = 22; 29 females) and 31 students with SEN (mean age = 22; 15 females) from a local university in Singapore participated in an online survey. Both groups reported significant increase in the proportion of online learning after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Both groups reported being moderately positive about their online learning experiences, with no significant difference between the groups (either before or after the outbreak). For both groups, Learning Activity Management System (LAMS), pre-recorded lectures, online finals/quizzes, live lectures, online assignments, and online tutorials were the common online learning formats. Laptop/desktop was the primary device used, and Zoom was the most preferred online learning software. The SEN group reported higher usage of technical accommodations. Accessibility was the top advantage of online learning reported by typically developing students while for students with SEN, it was flexibility. Lower social interaction was the top challenge encountered for both groups. These findings would be useful in making online learning more inclusive for everyone in university.
      28  92
  • Publication
    Open Access
      146  167
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Systematic review of reviews on Activities of Daily Living measures for children with developmental disabilities
    (Elsevier, 2022) ; ;
    Nair, Rahul

    Background There seems to be a lack of consensus on the concept and domains of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) measured among children and adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD), despite a significant number of existing measures of ADL and associated constructs, and two prevailing theoretical frameworks (i.e., the cognitive-social-practical framework, and the activity-and-participation framework).

    Aims
    This systematic review (SR) aims to identify articles that systematically reviewed measures of ADL for children and adolescents aged 7–18 years with DD to evaluate the quality of included articles, and describe the measures and domains identified.

    Methods and Procedures:
    Searches were conducted in PubMed®, Academic Search Complete® (EBSCOhost), Education Source Search® (EBSCOhost), ERIC® (EBSCOhost), and PsychInfo® (EBSCOhost). 14,931 articles were identified, and two researchers completed title screening, abstract screening, and full-text screening, with disagreements resolved. Out of these 14,931 articles, fourteen were included, which resulted in a total of 163 ADL measures. Out of the 163 ADL measures, forty-eight met the criteria and were included for analysis. PRISMA and COSMIN checklists were used to appraise the methodological quality of the included articles.

    Outcomes and results
    Results indicated that most of the 14 systematic review articles did not provide information on instrument development and content validity of their included measures. Analysis of the identified 48 measures of ADL and its associated constructs revealed heterogeneity in domains covered, although there were seven domains that were most often included.

    Conclusions and implications
    Implications in terms of practice, research, and policy are further discussed.

    WOS© Citations 2Scopus© Citations 3  94  154
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Development and psychometric properties of a culturally adapted video version of strange stories as a measure of advanced theory of mind in youths
    This study described the development of a culturally adapted video version of Strange Stories test as a measure of advanced theory of mind for youths in an Asian country (i.e. Singapore), the Y-ToM, and to provide preliminary psychometric properties. Participants were 170 youths (82 male, 88 female) aged from 13 to 16 years old (M = 14.77, SD = 1.16) in Singapore. The youths completed the Y-ToM, an abbreviated IQ test and the Happé’s Strange Stories in a counterbalanced order while their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). A two-factor structure consisting of social and physical subscales was suggested. Concurrent, convergent, divergent and diagnostic validity of the Y-ToM was examined. Internal consistency of the Y-ToM social subscale was acceptable though it was not satisfactory for the Y-ToM physical subscale. Inter-rater reliability was good while test-retest reliability was lower.
      98  217