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Problem behaviors associated with 15q- Angelman syndrome
1Lea Castle Centre (Kidderminster, West Midlands, United Kingdom. djclarke@msn.com
American Journal of Mental Retardation : AJMR
|February 23, 2000
Summary
Angelman syndrome in children is linked to speech, sleep, and eating issues. While inappropriate laughter is common, other behaviors like water fascination are reported more frequently by caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Genetics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting development.
- Behavioral and developmental challenges are common in individuals with Angelman syndrome.
- Understanding these challenges is crucial for effective care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral and adaptive functioning of individuals with Angelman syndrome.
- To compare the observed behaviors with previously published data.
- To identify specific problem areas requiring therapeutic intervention.
Main Methods:
- Caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome completed standardized behavioral assessments.
- Seventy-three responses were analyzed.
- Data were compared with existing literature.
Main Results:
- Common issues included lack of speech, overactivity, restlessness, and sleep/eating problems.
- Inappropriate laughter was reported in 57% of cases, less than eating problems (64%) and water fascination (68%).
- Overactivity decreased with age, as indicated by a negative correlation between hyperactivity scores and age.
Conclusions:
- Angelman syndrome presents with a range of behavioral challenges, with variations in reported symptom frequency.
- Hyperactivity is more pronounced in younger children.
- Intervention programs should focus on addressing these identified behavioral issues.