The present study examined the existence of unrealistic expectations in abusive parents. It was hypothesized that abusive parents would have higher expectations of their children's social-emotional and self-help skills than nonabusive parents. It was also hypothesized that abusive parents would have higher expectations of their children's social-emotional skills than nonabusive parents when both groups compared their children to average children. Abusive and nonabusive parents were administered the Social Competence Scales of the Child Behavior Checklist and the Daily Living Skills domain of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. The results contradict previous studies in this area and raise questions about present conceptualizations of expectations in abusive parents and the importance of this factor in child abuse.

The research deals with the formation of motor skills and self-help skills in terms of family upbringing. As a result the developed program, which included: diagnosis of formation of motor skills and self-help skills; advice for parents; training activities and monitoring the formation of motor skills. The resulting research positive results allow to recommend the program developed a wide range of professionals working with children with cerebral palsy. / В диссертационном исследовании рассмотрены вопросы формирования двигательных навыков и навыков самообслуживания в условиях семейного воспитания. В результате разработана программа, в которую вошли: диагностика формирования двигательных навыков и навыков самообслуживания; консультации для родителей; тренировочная деятельность и мониторинг формирования двигательных навыков. Полученные в результате исследования положительные результаты позволяют рекомендовать разработанную программу широкому кругу специалистов, работающих с детьми ДЦП.

The Mauritius School for the Blind is primarily funded through government support. Therefore, it is currently a requirement of the School to adhere to the same curricula as used in all primary schools in Mauritius. This research highlights the necessity for a curriculum that can be specifically designed to meet the needs of visually impaired children. The objectives of the study were; to conduct an evaluation to determine the visually impaired children’s educational goals; to establish the key orientation, mobility and independence skills required by children and young people at the School who are visually impaired; to identify ways in which the skills development programme can be implemented within, and beyond, the School’s curriculum; to propose a set of self-help skills training processes that can form part of the current curriculum to enable visually impaired children at the School for the Blind to become more independent. A triangulation research methodology constituting both qualitative and quantitative research was used. The participants consisted of 12 visually impaired children, the Head of the School, three NGO staff members and six teachers. Thematic analysis led to themes and categories emerging in the arena of self-help skills development. Independence and self-help skills were the main themes determined through data analysis. The secondary themes which emerged from the main ones consisted of social skills, travel skills, daily living skills and education. Sub-themes derived from social skills were cultural differences and its associated feeling of discrimination. Sub-themes under travel skills included independent travel and assistance. Finally, education comprised of sub-themes such as a special programme on self-help skills and training for teachers. The above analysis stressed the need to set up a committee in order to start developing a curriculum in the arena of self-help skills. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

The thesis deals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in terms of their ethology and diagnostic criteria. The theoretical part further describes development of terminology of these disorders and historical concept of care of individuals with Autism. Included are also categories of disabilities and their symptoms. Another chapter discusses the specifics of self-help skills of children with Autism and characterizes motor development of preschool children with an emphasis on motor imitation, as one of the sub-kinetic abilities. The aim of the research work is to analyse the degree of influence of motor imitation on the development of self-help skills of children with Autism. It focuses on evaluation of the developmental level of the respondent's self-help skills and its development influenced by intensive imitation training. Determination of the actual developmental level allows easier orientation within self-help skills that can be practiced with the child. Their list is located in the attachments. Further research clarifies what techniques were the most successful during motor imitation training. KEYWORD Autism spectrum disorders, pervasive developmental disorder, triad of impairments, motor development, motor imitation, self-help skills.

The Mauritius School for the Blind is primarily funded through government support. Therefore, it is currently a requirement of the School to adhere to the same curricula as used in all primary schools in Mauritius. This research highlights the necessity for a curriculum that can be specifically designed to meet the needs of visually impaired children. The objectives of the study were; to conduct an evaluation to determine the visually impaired children’s educational goals; to establish the key orientation, mobility and independence skills required by children and young people at the School who are visually impaired; to identify ways in which the skills development programme can be implemented within, and beyond, the School’s curriculum; to propose a set of self-help skills training processes that can form part of the current curriculum to enable visually impaired children at the School for the Blind to become more independent. A triangulation research methodology constituting both qualitative and quantitative research was used. The participants consisted of 12 visually impaired children, the Head of the School, three NGO staff members and six teachers. Thematic analysis led to themes and categories emerging in the arena of self-help skills development. Independence and self-help skills were the main themes determined through data analysis. The secondary themes which emerged from the main ones consisted of social skills, travel skills, daily living skills and education. Sub-themes derived from social skills were cultural differences and its associated feeling of discrimination. Sub-themes under travel skills included independent travel and assistance. Finally, education comprised of sub-themes such as a special programme on self-help skills and training for teachers. The above analysis stressed the need to set up a committee in order to start developing a curriculum in the arena of self-help skills. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)