Developmental trajectories in syndromes with intellectual disability, with a focus on Wolf-Hirschhorn and its cognitive-behavioral profile.

[wolf-hirschhorn syndrome]

Few studies exist of developmental trajectories in children with intellectual disability , and none for those with subtelomeric deletions . We compared developmental trajectories of children with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome to other genetic disorders . We recruited 106 children diagnosed with fragile X , Williams-Beuren syndrome , or Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome , assessing their intellectual and adaptive behavior abilities . We retested 61 children 2 years later . We compared Time 1 and Time 2 difference scores related to genetic disorder , age , initial IQ , or adaptive behavior composite . Results show genetic disorder and initial IQ score were significant factors for IQ differences , but only genetic disorder affected adaptive behavior differences . Results suggest different gene -brain -behavior pathways likely exist for these genetic disorders . Different developmental trajectories will influence the type and intensity of intervention implemented by caregivers .