درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

This study aimed to explore the parenting strategies, support systems, and coping mechanisms employed by single parents of children with developmental delays. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with 23 single parents of children aged 2 to 12 years with diagnosed developmental delays. Participants were recruited through local support groups, online forums, and pediatric clinics. The data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's framework, was used to identify key themes and subthemes within the data. The study identified three main themes: parenting strategies, support systems, and coping mechanisms. Key parenting strategies included routine establishment, positive reinforcement, adaptive techniques, communication strategies, and behavior management. Support systems encompassed family support, professional support, community resources, and financial assistance. Coping mechanisms highlighted were emotional resilience, social networks, personal time management, seeking knowledge, advocacy and empowerment, spirituality, and adaptability. Participants emphasized the importance of structured routines and positive reinforcement in managing their children's needs, while family and professional support were crucial in alleviating caregiving burdens. Effective coping mechanisms were essential for managing stress and maintaining well-being. Single parents of children with developmental delays employ a variety of effective strategies and support systems to navigate their unique challenges. Emotional resilience and social support networks play a critical role in their ability to cope with the demands of caregiving. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and resources to support single-parent families, highlighting the importance of flexible services, community resources, and advocacy efforts. Further research should focus on larger, more diverse samples and explore the impact of technological tools in supporting these parents.

Neurodiversity, a concept that embraces variations in human brain function and cognitive processes, is increasingly recognized as a valuable aspect of workforce diversity. Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace can lead to numerous benefits, including enhanced creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities. However, integrating neurodivergent individuals into the workplace also presents several challenges that need to be addressed through thoughtful policies and practices. This letter explores the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting neurodiversity in the workplace and highlights strategies to foster an inclusive environment for all employees. Promoting neurodiversity in the workplace presents both significant opportunities and challenges. By embracing the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, organizations can foster innovation, gain a competitive advantage, and create a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. However, achieving these benefits requires addressing the challenges of workplace accommodations, social barriers, and the balance between disclosure and privacy. Through inclusive hiring practices, continuous training, effective leadership, technological support, and strong community networks, organizations can successfully integrate neurodiversity and unlock its full potential.

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of community integration and social participation among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth data from 27 adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from various community centers, support groups, and social service organizations. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews, identifying key themes and subthemes that captured the essence of the participants' experiences and perceptions. The study identified four main themes: experiences of community integration, types of social activities, perceived benefits and challenges, and influencing factors. Participants reported a strong sense of belonging and personal growth through community activities, despite facing barriers such as stigma, accessibility issues, and financial constraints. Support systems, including family, professionals, and peer networks, played a crucial role in facilitating participation. Recreational, cultural, and educational activities, as well as volunteering, provided significant physical, emotional, and social benefits. Technological advancements, inclusive policies, and personal resilience were identified as critical factors influencing community integration. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing accessibility, support systems, and inclusive policies to promote community integration and social participation for adults with intellectual disabilities. Addressing the identified barriers and leveraging facilitators can improve their quality of life and well-being. Future research should employ mixed-methods approaches, include longitudinal studies, and consider the perspectives of family members, caregivers, and professionals to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing community participation.

This study investigates the impact of performance assessment on the writing competence and motivation for writing among Iraqi EFL learners. In light of the limitations of traditional assessment methods, which often fail to accurately reflect students' abilities and can induce anxiety, this research explores the effectiveness of performance-based assessments as a more engaging and authentic alternative. A total of 41 intermediate-level students from an Iraqi university participated in the study, divided into an experimental group that engaged in performance assessments through dialogue journals and a control group that followed traditional writing tasks. Pre-tests and post-tests were administered to evaluate writing competence, alongside an Academic Writing Motivation Questionnaire to assess changes in motivation levels. The results indicated that performance assessment significantly enhanced both writing proficiency and motivation for writing among the experimental group compared to the control group. This study underscores the importance of innovative assessment strategies in fostering a more effective and motivating learning environment for EFL learners. Performance Assessment, Writing Competence, Writing Motivation, Writing Proficiency