Assessing Family Outcomes Over Time: Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of the Family Outcomes Survey–Revised

The Family Outcomes Survey–Revised (FOS-R) measures family outcomes of services for young children with disabilities or developmental delays, and can be used to investigate change in outcome achievement over time. To confirm the validity of FOS-R change scores, it must be established that the FOS-R measures the same construct over time; if so, score changes can be attributed to family outcome achievement. However, if not, interpretation of change scores may be misleading. Caregivers ( N = 349) of Singaporean children with developmental delays receiving early intervention services completed the FOS-R Part A twice, approximately 1 year apart. Factor analysis was used to confirm the structure of the FOS-R Part A and to assess whether the scale measures the same thing across time (i.e., longitudinal measurement invariance). Results provided support for partial longitudinal measurement invariance, indicating that change scores on this scale can be validly interpreted with certain caveats.

EURAP & Development: Study Protocol of a Dutch Prospective Observational Study into Fetal Antiepileptic Drug Exposure and Long-term Neurocognitive, Behavioral and Family Outcomes

Background: Children exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in utero are at higher risk for congenital malformations. Less is known about the long-term association with neurocognition and behavior. Research into family factors related to long-term developmental outcomes of children of women with epilepsy is also rare. We present a protocol to investigate the neurocognitive and behavioral development in children of mothers with epilepsy from a family perspective. Methods: This is a prospective observational longitudinal study, of children exposed in utero to monotherapy carbamazepine, lamotrigine, valproate or levetiracetam whose mother were previously included in the European Registry of Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP-NL) database. Children are tested at age six or seven years (T1) and at eight or nine years (T2). Children, mothers and fathers are asked to undergo neuropsychological assessments and to complete questionnaires on behavioral functioning and distinct family factors. Discussion: This study contributes to future counseling of women with epilepsy who have children or wishes to start a family. Strengths are the inclusion of levetiracetam, the longitudinal design, and alongside neurocognition, the inclusion of differential behavioral and family outcome measures. Anticipated limitations are discussed.

Family Systems Changes Following Traumatic Brain Injury: Adult Sibling Perspectives

The purpose of the present study was to gain an understanding of family outcome, adjustment, and needs following traumatic brain injury (TBI) from the perspectives of adult siblings. An American sample of 277 adult siblings of persons with TBI responded to the question, “What impact has your sibling's TBI had on your family (e.g., parents, other siblings, etc.)”? Responses were analyzed through constant comparative textual analysis. Responses were grouped into four themes including a) the consequences of providing care, b) family system impacts, c) evolved attitudes and beliefs, and d) how families provide care. From the perspective of adult siblings, TBI presents outcomes which both strengthen and compromise family systems. The uniqueness of the sibling bond reveals information about family systems not accessible through other relationships.