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[Stability in intellectual performance of students with fetal alcohol syndrome in children homes]
M Mena1, M E Navarro, A Massardo
1Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente, Concepción.
Insights
Cognitive performance in girls with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) showed variability. Most experienced an IQ decline over four years, particularly those with more severe physical features.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) presents a spectrum of neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Cognitive variability is a hallmark of FAS, impacting long-term outcomes.
- This study examines cognitive trajectories in school-aged girls with FAS in a specific Chilean foster care setting.
Purpose:
- To assess the longitudinal cognitive performance of school-aged girls diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
- To track changes in IQ over a four-year period using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC).
- To investigate the relationship between dysmorphogenic findings and cognitive decline in FAS.
Summary:
- Twelve school girls (aged 10-15) with FAS were evaluated using the WISC, with re-testing four years later.
- IQ scores decreased by 7-13 points in 7/12 girls, improved slightly in 2/12, and remained stable in 3/12.
- Mean global IQs shifted from 79.58 in 1984 to 74.75 in 1988, indicating a non-significant trend of cognitive decline.
- The degree of IQ reduction correlated with the severity of physical dysmorphic features associated with FAS.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential for cognitive decline in school-aged girls with FAS over time.
- Underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for individuals with FAS.
- Informs support strategies for children with FAS in foster care systems.
- Suggests a link between prenatal alcohol exposure severity and long-term cognitive outcomes.
Abstract:
Children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) display great variability in their IQs during follow-up. The course of cognitive performance among twelve school girls aged 10 to 15 years with FAS who lived in foster homes of a chilean public organization for socially handicapped infants, was assessed by comparison of the results of Wechsler's psychometric test for children (WISC) which were done once and repeated 4 years later in the same patients. IQs were 7 to 13 points lower after 4 years in 7/12 girls, slightly better (4 and 6 points) in 2/12 and practically the same in 3/12 patients 1 to 3 points lower. Mean global IQs were 79.58 +/- 11.24 at year 1984 and 74.75 +/- 10.56 in 1988. This IQ reduction, even though not statistically significant, was deeper the more evident were the dysmorphogenic findings.