Does attention constrain developmental trajectories in fragile x syndrome? A 3-year prospective longitudinal study.

Journal article

Basic attentional processes and their impact on developmental trajectories in fragile X syndrome were assessed in a 3-year prospective study. Although fragile X syndrome is a monogenic X-linked disorder, there is striking variability in outcomes even in young boys with the condition. Attention is a key factor constraining interactions with the environment, so it is a perfect candidate to predict trajectories in cognitive and behavioral outcomes. In this study, 48 boys with fragile X syndrome were assessed 3 times over 24 months. Although nonverbal IQ declined, there were significant improvements in nonverbal growth scores and in cognitive attention. In contrast, behavioral difficulties (i.e., autistic symptomatology, hyperactivity-inattention) remained stable over this time frame. Attentional markers in the visual and auditory modalities predicted intellectual abilities and classroom behavior, whereas auditory markers alone predicted autistic symptomatology.

Authors: Cornish, K; Cole, V; Longhi, E; Karmiloff-Smith, A; Scerif, G

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Volume: 117
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 103-120
• Publication date: 2012-03-01
• DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-117.2.103
• EISSN: 1944-7558
• ISSN: 1944-7515
• Language: English
• Keywords: Nonverbal Communication; Prospective Studies; Autistic Disorder; Neuropsychological Tests; Child Development; Fragile X Syndrome; Longitudinal Studies; Child, Preschool; Child; Hyperkinesis; Acoustic Stimulation; Attention; Humans; Intelligence; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Photic Stimulation