Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
Polymorbidity of developmental disabilities: Additive effects on child psychosocial functioning and parental distress
Randolph C H Chan1, Huso Yi2, Queenie K Y Siu3
1Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Background:
While parents of children with developmental disabilities show greater parenting burden and distress compared with their counterparts, little is known about to what extent developmental polymorbidity in children escalates and magnifies the risk of parental distress.
Aims:
This study investigated the co-occurrence of developmental disabilities among a sample of elementary school children and examined its additive effects on child psychosocial functioning and parental distress.
Methods And Procedures:
A cross-sectional survey among 710 parents of elementary school children in Hong Kong included measures of child psychosocial functioning and parental stress. Structural equation modeling was used to test a hypothesized model in which child psychosocial functioning mediates the effect of developmental polymorbidity on parental distress.
Outcomes And Results:
About one-fourth of the participants reported their children having two or more developmental disabilities. The number of developmental disabilities was positively related to the severity of emotional and behavioral problems in children, which in turn explained general and parenting distress in parents.
Conclusions And Implications:
Given the heightened vulnerability to distress among parents of children with multiple developmental disabilities, psychological care should particularly target this population. Early identification and intervention strategies are also needed to detect children with multiple co-occurring developmental disabilities, which could potentially alleviate their emotional and behavioral problems and lessen the parenting burden.
More Related Videos
07:56Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
12:55Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
Published on: September 27, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...