Psychosocial Difficulties in Preschool-Age Children with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome: An Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric endocrinology
• Developmental psychology
• Childhood chronic illness

Background:

• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a rare genetic overgrowth disorder.
• While typically not associated with intellectual delay, BWS may influence emotional-behavioral and psychosocial development.
• Chronic illness in childhood necessitates understanding its broader impact on development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the emotional-behavioral functioning and psychosocial development in young children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
• To identify potential risk factors and developmental challenges associated with BWS in early childhood.

Main Methods:

• Parents of 30 children diagnosed with BWS (ages 1.5-6 years) completed standardized questionnaires.
• Assessments focused on emotional-behavioral problems and psychomotor development.
• Data analysis examined group mean scores and identified children exceeding risk thresholds.

Main Results:

• Group mean scores for behavioral problems were within the average range.
• However, 23% of children scored above the risk threshold for social withdrawal.
• Social development scores were lower compared to other developmental domains, and gross-motor skills lagged behind fine-motor skills. Nearly half of the children were at risk for social development issues.
• Older age correlated with increased emotional-behavioral and developmental difficulties; other variables did not show significant associations.

Conclusions:

• Young children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome may experience specific psychosocial and developmental challenges, particularly in social domains.
• Early detection of social withdrawal and developmental delays is crucial for children with BWS.
• Health and educational professionals should integrate psychosocial assessments into routine care for children with BWS to facilitate timely interventions.