JIE

An Analysis of the Psychological Stressors among Hearing Impaired Children with Conversion Disorder

Hifsa Batool, Adila Khanam — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The signs and symptoms of conversion disorders emerge due to the reaction of any psychological stressful event in one's life. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychological stressors in hearing impaired children with conversion disorder and to evaluate the occurrence of various stressors based on their demographic characteristics. This was a descriptive study, and a questionnaire was used through survey method to collect the data. Population of the study was all the children receiving their treatment of conversion disorder from different hospitals of Punjab province, Pakistan. Sample of the study was 40 hearing impaired children with conversion disorder selected through purposive sampling technique. All the participants of the study were firstly assessed according to the criteria of conversion disorder described in (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V) DSM-V. Life events scale was administered to collect data for psychological stressors that the hearingimpaired students were facing currently and that trigger them towards this ailment. Statistical analysis demonstrated that gender, residential area, number of siblings and birth order effect the lives of the hearing-impaired children with conversion disorder as girls with conversion disorder experience high level of psychological stress as compared to the boys with conversion disorder. Meanwhile rural children, only child and the children who were from younger age group experience high level of psychological stress. It can be concluded from the findings of this study that government and non-government organization should arrange workshops and seminar for the counseling of parents and to teach them how to deal with their hearing-impaired children when they demand excessively and to teach the parents about their responsibilities in the development of their hearingimpaired children.

Anxiety and Depression Among Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Lahore, Pakistan: A Quantitative Study

Muhammad Noman Maqbool, Mubara Sehar — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the prevalence of anxiety and depression among students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Lahore, Pakistan, a region where limited research exists on the mental health of this vulnerable group. Given the unique challenges faced by individuals with IDD, understanding their mental health needs is critical for ensuring appropriate care and support. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 32 teachers working in various schools that cater to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The data collection involved structured surveys that assessed the mental health status of students as observed by their educators, with a particular focus on symptoms related to anxiety and depression.

The findings highlight significant concerns regarding the mental health of these students, revealing that a substantial proportion exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can severely impact their overall well-being, academic performance, and social integration. The study provides valuable insights into the specific environmental, social, and educational factors that may contribute to the prevalence of these mental health conditions among students with IDD in Lahore. These factors include limited mental health awareness among teachers, lack of specialized mental health services, and societal stigma surrounding both disabilities and mental health challenges.

Current State of Knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder Based on DSM-5 in the General Population of Faisalabad City, Pakistan: A Survey Study

Hina Hidayat Ali, Muhammad Nazir, Muhammad Naeem Mohsin — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present study expands understanding of public awareness by assessing a current knowledge and awareness levels of general
population regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Despite increasing global awareness of ASD, limited research has been conducted on the general population’s knowledge of ASD in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Therefore, it was crucial to assess the current state of public knowledge and awareness regarding ASD in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The present study adopted descriptive survey method to answer the research questions. The sample of the study comprising 60 respondents was chosen through convenience sampling technique from public having some affiliations with ASD students. A self-made questionnaire was designed for the data collection from respondents. The results of the study represented that there was a low level of general knowledge about the ASD children among the general population. There was a moderate level of awareness about the social interaction, repetitive behavior and restricted behavior of the ASD children among the general masses. No significant variation in the level of knowledge about the ASD children was noted among the respondents based on their gender, qualification and institutional sector.

Effectiveness of Hearing AIDS For Vocabulary Development Among Preschool Children

Anila Inam, Tanzila Nabeel — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

To find out the effectiveness of hearing aids for vocabulary development among preschool children, a descriptive comparative -research study was conducted. It was hypothesized that a significant difference was observed in the achievement of vocabulary in those hearing-impaired children who used hearing aids than those who had not been intervened by hearing aids. The expressive vocabulary was measured by an indigenous dichotomous scale consisting of 95 items. The responses were scored as 1 for verbal and 0.5 were given to non-verbal and 0 for nonrespondents. A pre-testing of the tool was done before the final administration of the tool. A purposive sampling technique was employed in selecting the sample. The sample was selected by an initial assessment form to select subjects for same after the administration of the tool to a sample of 30 preschool hearing- impaired children, the scores were
analyzed on SPSS to find out the results. The result showed a higher level of oral expressive vocabulary among children who were the users of hearing aids as compared to those children who were not intervened by hearing aids. auditory, and speech training, and proper management and maintenance of the hearing aids had a significant role in vocabulary development among preschool children.

Effects of Listening Music on Cognitive Abilities of Children with Intellectual Disability

Imran Nazir, Hafiz Rukhsar Ahmed, Shams-Un-Nisa — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to investigate how listening music affected the cognitive abilities of children with Intellectual Disability (ID) between the ages of 5 to 12. It also looks at how effective music education is when combined with a well-defined curriculum. The nature of the study was causal comparative. A convenient sampling technique was used to choose two institutes. There were two student groups. Group one had attended the music classes three times a week for three months while other group did not attend the music class. The results of the study showed that children with ID who took music classes had a significant effect on their cognitive capacities. The study provided a clear depiction of the use of music in the lives of children with ID not just as a form of entertainment and pleasure.

Inclusive Education Practices in Australia (Victoria) and Pakistan: Readiness of School Education System, Teachers’ Training, Pedagogy, Curriculum and Assessment

Fauzia Khurshid, Muhammad Shahid Farooq — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research compared inclusive teaching practices in Pakistan and Australia, focusing on early interventions, pre- and in-service teacher training, inclusive curriculum and pedagogy, assistive device provision and assessment methods for learners with disabilities and special needs. A qualitative analysis, using structured interviews, explored the current state of inclusive education practices in both countries. In Australia, education is primarily a government responsibility and inclusion are systematically integrated into all school systems. This is supported by policies, legislation and guiding documents. While separate schools exist for children with specific learning needs and disabilities, the overall approach is to welcome and support all learners, without discrimination, in mainstream schools, enabling them to reach their full potential. In Pakistan, inclusive education practices are currently hindered by several barriers. These include a lack of support and vision for understanding the importance of inclusion, insufficient resources for training teachers and allied staff and a general lack of preparedness among mainstream teachers for pedagogy and assessment in the mainstream setting. The research highlights the urgent need to transform the existing mainstream school system by allocating adequate financial and physical resources so a workable model could be developed to promote inclusive practices in the mainstream schools. Findings will create a foundation for inclusion, allowing schools to effectively welcome and support children with special needs and disabilities on the analogy of Australia.

Impact of Covid-19 on Adaptive Functioning of Special Need Children: A Qualitative Study

Misbah Waqar, Saleha Bibi, Shamaila Mahmud — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to global public health concerns, prompting governments to close schools and encourage home stays during emergencies to curb the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted sedentary behavior and physical activity in children and adolescents, raising concerns about their physical and mental well-being. The study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the adaptive functioning of special children through qualitative data collection through established interview techniques. Parents of children with exceptional needs provided information about their children's adaptive functioning, using interview guidelines formulated with specialist assistance. The study established an inclusion and exclusion criterion, and parents of children with special needs were contacted individually. Interviews were conducted after informed consent, and themes emerged. The current study's sample size was 7. Results showed increased hyperactivity in children with severe needs and intellectual disabilities. Parents report that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their children with special needs, as they are unable to take them outside and the concept of lockdown and social distancing has not been instilled. Maladaptive behavior in these children is predicted by parents' own stress and routine changes. The research reveals that COVID-19 has negatively impacted the adaptive behaviors of children with special needs due to the lack of therapeutic services, social distancing, lockdowns, and parental stress.

Perceptions and Attitudes of College Teachers toward Inclusive Education in Punjab, Pakistan

Muhammad Javed Aftab, Faisal Amjad, Bushra Naz — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research aimed to explore the perceptions and attitudes of university teachers towards inclusive education in Punjab, Pakistan. To
accomplish this, the researchers employed a quantitative research method, selecting 200 college teachers through simple random sampling. The researchers collected data by administering a self-developed questionnaire, which experts subsequently reviewed to ensure its validity, and measured reliability using Cronbach's alpha. The study's findings reveal a strong endorsement of inclusive education among teachers, who are aware of the benefits and show the desired confidence in adopting their teaching methods following the different learning needs. However, we identified the primary issue as the scarcity of resources, which could potentially impede the successful integration of practices. While demographic factors such as gender, designation, and area of posting had an impact on the opinions of the people, qualifications and experience did not turn out to be remarkably influential. These results illustrate a trend towards a supportive attitude towards inclusive education, evidenced through resource allocation, despite remaining challenges in finance for education. The study points to the significance of support systems and pinpoints professional development for the effectiveness of inclusive education

Problems Faced by the Teachers in Teaching Mainstream Curriculum to Visually Impaired Students in Pakistan

Fauzia Malik, Uzma Mahmood — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was designed to find out overall problems faced by the teachers in teaching curriculum to visually impaired students. The
objectives of the study were to identify problems faced by the teachers (public and private) in curriculum for visually impaired students, to recommend strategies to minimize problems faced by teachers in curriculum. The study employs a mixed-method research design, combining qualitative interviews with teachers and quantitative questionnaire data to provide a comprehensive analysis. The study has established that Schools do not have appropriate teaching and learning resources to help students with the visual impairment and be able to assimilate better in classroom. The study further found that there is a lack of cooperation, or contribution by the parents in the educational matters of their children. Another hindrance is that teachers were not trained to teach students with visual impairment. Apparatus and teaching aids are either inadequate or outdated and not suitable for imparting satisfactory level of education. Students are therefore not assessed based on their individual capability and skill level. The skill and knowledge of teaching the visually impaired is on the decline alarmingly. This trend needs to be halted. It is as statistically proven that a modified curriculum for the visually impaired is a dire need of the time.

Teaching Visually Impaired Students in Inclusive Classrooms at Early Childhood Level: Early Childhood Development Teachers’ Perceptions in the Context of Gilgit

Sadia Bano, Sadruddin Bahadur Qutoshi, Ghulam Jalani — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to explore the teachers’ perceptions about teaching visually impaired students in inclusive classrooms and challenges they face at Early Childhood Development (ECD) level. This research was conducted at one of ECD schools in Gilgit Baltistan using a qualitative case study approach. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that teachers have basic understanding regarding inclusive education, its importance and the teaching strategies to teach in an inclusive setting (where all mainstream and visually impaired learners are given opportunity to learn). However, teachers still need to have more knowledge regarding inclusive education to better help visually impaired students. Shortage of special needs teachers, time limitations, rigid curriculum and crowded classes are some of the major challenges. It is recommended that teachers should be facilitated with an advanced level of training in the domain of inclusive education. Additionally, facilities such as enough classrooms full of required resources and special needs of teachers would be ensured to enable both mainstream learners and visually impaired students in inclusive ECD classes.