Validating and Applying the CSBS-ITC in Neurogenetic Syndromes

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Genetics
• Clinical Linguistics

Background:

• Social communication delays are common in neurogenetic syndromes (NGS).
• Early social communication skill profiles in these children are under-characterized.
• Validated assessment tools for this population are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate and apply the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile - Infant-Toddler Checklist (CSBS-ITC).
• To assess early social communication skills in young children with Angelman, Prader-Willi, and Williams syndromes.
• To address the gap in understanding social communication in these understudied NGS groups.

Main Methods:

• Validated the CSBS-ITC for use in neurogenetic populations.
• Applied the CSBS-ITC to screen young children with Angelman, Prader-Willi, and Williams syndromes.
• Analyzed skill variability across different ages within these NGS groups.

Main Results:

• The CSBS-ITC demonstrated effectiveness in screening early social communication skills.
• Meaningful variability in skills was detected across ages in children with NGS.
• The tool provided insights into individual and population-level social communication profiles.

Conclusions:

• The CSBS-ITC is a valuable tool for screening and surveillance of social communication in young children with NGS.
• Findings contribute to a better understanding of social communication development in Angelman, Prader-Willi, and Williams syndromes.
• This research supports the use of the CSBS-ITC for identifying social communication needs in understudied neurogenetic populations.