Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Quantitative Assessment of Cortical Auditory-tactile Processing in Children with Disabilities
Published on: January 29, 2014
Disabilities and cognition in children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion syndrome
S Oskarsdóttir1, M Belfrage, E Sandstedt
1The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, SE-416 85 Göteborg, Sweden. solveig.oskarsdottir@vgregion.se
Insights
Children with 22q11 deletion syndrome often experience significant neurological, motor, and cognitive challenges. These disabilities impact their development and participation in daily activities, requiring substantial support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- 22q11 deletion syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with a wide range of developmental issues.
- Understanding the specific disabilities is crucial for early intervention and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum of cognitive and other disabilities in children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion syndrome.
- To assess the impact of these disabilities on motor function and participation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 33 children and adolescents (ages 3-19) with 22q11 deletion were evaluated.
- Assessments included growth, development, neurology, cognition (IQ), motor function, and participation (handicap).
Main Results:
- Delayed motor milestones were common, with half never crawling and walking delayed (mean 18 months).
- Hypotonia (n=25), poor balance (n=24), and definite motor problems (n=17) were prevalent.
- Intellectual quotient (IQ) scores ranged from 50-100, with 26 children scoring below 84; Verbal IQ exceeded Performance IQ.
- A moderate level of handicap was observed, with most children requiring extra school support.
Conclusions:
- Children with 22q11 deletion syndrome exhibit multiple, varied neurological, motor, and cognitive impairments.
- The combination of these challenges leads to reduced participation and necessitates comprehensive support strategies.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate cognitive and other disabilities in children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion syndrome. Thirty-three children (15 females, 18 males; age range 3 to 19y, median 7y 6mo) with 22q11 deletion were investigated for growth, development, neurology, cognition, motor function, and participation (measured as handicap**). Half of the children had never crawled, although they had shuffled, and commencement of walking was delayed (mean 18mo, SD 6mo). Hypotonia was found in 25 and poor balance in 24 of the 33 children; 17 out of 27 had definite motor problems, including two with spastic hemiplegia. Intelligence quotient (IQ) range was 50 to 100. Eleven patients had an IQ below 70, and 15 between 70 and 84. Verbal IQ was higher than Performance IQ. Level of handicap within the study group was considered moderate, and all but one child had extra support at school. We conclude that children with 22q11 deletion syndrome have multiple neurological, motor, and cognitive problems. Although the severity and number of problems varies, the combination of impairments and disabilities results in a low level of participation.
Related Concept Videos
Language and Cognition
Information Processing Approach
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Intellectual Disability
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...

