Érudit's RSS Feed

Bénéfices cognitifs d’une exposition vidéo à la nature chez des adultes présentant une déficience intellectuelle

Florent Béclin, Thierry Kosinski and Stéphane Rusinek
This study is the first to investigate the effects of nature exposure on attention and working memory in adults with intellectual development disorder (IDD). A total of 69 participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups based on the type of exposure (nature video, urban video or geometric shapes). The findings revealed that exposure to nature significantly improved the attentional and memory performance of adults with IDD, who also exhibited a strong preference for natural content. Managers of establishments serving adults with IDD should also consider integrating more natural spaces to offer restorative benefits in daily and professional life.

Soutenir les activités quotidiennes d’adultes présentant une déficience intellectuelle : démarche d’implantation technologique

Rosalie Ruel, Dany Lussier-Desrochers and Laurence Pépin-Beauchesne
The use of technology to support individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in performing daily living activities is a promising solution. However, for such interventions to deliver the expected benefits, it is essential to anchor their deployment in the participants’ lived experiences. The objective of this study is to describe, through a longitudinal qualitative design (three measurement points), the process of implementing and using technologies by six adults with ID to perform daily living activities. Thematic analysis results highlight the importance of tailoring the technological intervention to each individual’s profile and promoting their involvement during the programming process. The study also reveals that support staff play a central role in the deployment of the intervention. Finally, several effects were observed on participants, most of which were positive.

Point de vue de parents de jeunes enfants avec une trisomie 21 sur leur pratique de la lecture partagée

Lise Lemoine, Pierre Poirot, Magali Dussourd-Deparis and Nathalie Marec-Breton
Shared reading has well-established benefits for the development of typically developing children. Given their developmental profile, it may also be particularly valuable for children with Down syndrome, serving as a key lever to support language, cognitive development, and the emergence of early literacy skills. However, little data is available regarding shared reading practices within families concerned. We therefore created a questionnaire for parents of French children with Down syndrome, with the aim of gathering information about their shared reading practices. Three main findings emerge: 1) parents highlight the multiple benefits of shared reading for their child (cognitive, linguistic, and relational); 2) parents of older children make greater use of strategies related to emergent literacy; and 3) parents express a need for guidance that is better tailored to their children’s specific needs.

Culture organisationnelle, croyances et interventions face aux comportements difficiles

Sandra Azar and Diane Morin
This exploratory study aims to better understand the relationship between three components of Hasting’ (2005): organizational culture, beliefs and staff interventions in response to challenging behaviors (CB) of students with intellectual disability. Conducted in a specialized school, it is based on seven semi-structured interviews with teachers, professionals, and a principal. The results show that the participants define CB as difficult situations to manage, but their interventions do not seem related to the causes of these behaviors. Informal organizational culture appears to play a central role in connecting beliefs and interventions practices. Future research should further investigate the relationship between CB and formal organizational culture.

Évaluation de l’acceptabilité dans le cadre d’un déploiement technologique au sein d’un milieu résidentiel accueillant des adultes autistes avec/sans déficience intellectuelle

Dany Lussier-Desrochers, Karine Ayotte, Rosalie Ruel and Laurence Pépin-Beauchesne
The rapid evolution of the digital age is forcing organizations to innovate to keep pace with emerging needs. However, the integration of new technology can lead to resistance from stakeholders. Therefore, it is important to measure their perceptions throughout the process. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of staff working in a residential setting for autistic adults with/without intellectual disabilities regarding the implementation of technology (tablets and applications). A longitudinal descriptive design with three measurements times was used. A total of 16 staff members participated. Results show that participants' perceptions changed both positively and negatively over time as a function of their interactions with the implemented technologies.

L’inclusion sociale des personnes avec un trouble du développement intellectuel dans la littérature jeunesse

Margaux Pecatte and Lise Lemoine
Despite legislative changes and shifts in attitudes, people with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD) face barriers to social inclusion, which is a fundamental right that contributes to personal fulfillment. Children's literature, which reflects the ways of thinking of a society, can change perceptions. While various studies have looked at the portrayal of people with IDD with a specific etiology, such as Down syndrome, in children's books, none seems to have studied IDD without etiology, which nevertheless constitutes a real spectrum and affects a large population. This analysis of a corpus of 30 books aimed at children aged 3 to 11 highlights the levers that will support the inclusion of atypical protagonists. Particular importance seems to be given to understanding IDD and creating social bonds. Children's books seem to raise awareness of kindness and empathy, convey values of respect, and provide appropriate support for raising awareness among young children.

Retombées macrosystémiques d’ateliers artistiques en organisme communautaire

Camille Gauthier-Boudreault, Véronique Rochon, Élodie Hérault, Sarah Rahimaly, Miranda D’Amico and Mélanie M. Couture
Artistic activities are an innovative approach aimed at offering stimulating activities offered in day activity centres for adults with intellectual disability. A community organization has implemented dance, music and theatre workshops aimed at creating a show. Individual interviews and a group discussion with key stakeholders were conducted to document the macrosystemic impacts of this artistic project and factors influencing its implementation. Positive outcomes were observed for both the stakeholders and the community organization, as well as for the community. Among the factors facilitating the implementation of these activities, human and financial resources are the most important to consider.

Développement d’une solution technologique pour soutenir l’employabilité de personnes autistes ou présentant une déficience intellectuelle

Yves Lachapelle, Dany Lussier-Desrochers, Valérie Godin-Tremblay, Rosalie Ruel and Karine Ayotte
For individuals with autism or an intellectual disability (ID), socio-professional integration remains a major challenge. In recent years, technologies have proven to be an effective solution to support these individuals in their daily activities, particularly in the workplace. This study was conducted in three phases aimed at developing a Task Assistance Tool (TAT) to promote their employability. Following a user-centered development approach, the TAT was adjusted based on feedback from participants, including workers with autism or an ID as well as supervisory staff. The results highlight the facilitating and limiting factors of the TAT in the context of employability.

Fratrie adulte et déficience intellectuelle au Québec : rôles, relations et besoins de soutien

Myriam Rousseau, Suzie McKinnon and Isabelle Simonato
As parents age, the support of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) is often transferred to their siblings, leading to various challenges. This study explores the experiences of adult siblings of individuals with ID in Quebec, documenting their relationships and identifying their support needs. A mixed-methods approach was used with 28 participants. Respondents reported strong attachment and regular contact. They perceived personal benefits and noted an influence on their life choices. Their involvement is high and diverse. The majority expressed willingness to support their sibling in the future. Their main needs include access to information, support from a professional or a website, and opportunities to share experiences with peers.

Adaptation et évaluation de l’implantation d’un Programme Web destiné aux parents d’adolescents présentant une déficience intellectuelle

Karen Rutt and Diane Morin
Parents of adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) actively seek information on everything related to ID as well as the services that they could benefit from. This research aims to update, adapt to the Web format, and evaluate the effectiveness of a program. This study was conducted with 31 parents of adolescents aged between 10 and 21 with ID. The effectiveness of the Web program was assessed based on indicators of needs and support, the acquisition of knowledge as well as the subjective evaluation of the participants. The results show a decrease in the needs expressed, an increase in the services received and the level of help perceived, an increase in knowledge and an overall appreciation of the program.