Suchergebnisse

In an earlier publication, we presented the Diagnostic Intervention Model, which can be used as a guide in the design and conduct of interventions to foster harmonious interactions between children who are deaf-blind and their educators. This article demonstrates the use of the model in everyday practice and the effects of its application in two case studies, using team interaction coaching. Implications for everyday practice are discussed.

Adults with congenital deafblindness and an intellectual disability are at high risk for exposure to chronic and severe stress. Sensory deprivation, separations from primary caregivers, and difficulties in communication, from birth on, make daily life stressful for them. Chronic and high stress can lead to deviancies in the cortisol curve. This, in turn, can have negative effects on mental and physical health. Nothing is known yet about the cortisol curve of adults with congenital deafblindness and an intellectual disability, but our hypothesis is that it will be deviant. In this study, the cortisol curve of six participants with congenital deafblindness was compared to the curve of 40 typical controls. Remarkably, in spite of all past and present stress factors, the cortisol curve of the participants was rather normal. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed, amongst others individual differences in experiencing stress. Implications for further research are discussed.