Ten-year follow-up study found that motor-free intelligence quotient declined in children with mild-to-moderate
Monika Coceski1,2, Robyn Stargatt1, Sarah Sherwell1
1School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Cognitive abilities in children with cerebral palsy can decline over time. This study found significant drops in IQ scores for some children, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function but can also impact cognitive development.
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding cognitive trajectories in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine cognitive changes in children with cerebral palsy from preschool to adolescence.
- To identify individual patterns of cognitive decline and associated factors.
Main Methods:
- A 10-year follow-up study assessed 80 children with CP using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.
- Motor-free intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests and the Reliable Change Index (RCI).
Main Results:
- At the group level, nonverbal IQ scores significantly declined over the 10-year period.
- Individually, the Reliable Change Index revealed clinically significant declines in Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) for 9 children and nonverbal IQ for 11 children.
- Seizure history was linked to FSIQ decline, while higher initial IQ was associated with nonverbal IQ decline.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive abilities in children with cerebral palsy are dynamic and can change significantly from childhood to adolescence.
- Selective cognitive deficits may emerge later in development, underscoring the necessity of repeated cognitive evaluations.
- Early and ongoing cognitive assessments are vital for monitoring and supporting children with cerebral palsy.
Aim:
This 10-year follow-up study examined cognitive change in a cohort of children with cerebral palsy from preschool to adolescence at the group and individual levels.
Methods:
The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence was administered to 80 children with cerebral palsy (mean = 4 years 6 months, standard deviation = 7 months) at baseline (Time 1). At 10-year follow-up (Time 2), 28 adolescents (mean = 14 years 6 months, standard deviation = 9 months) returned for assessment with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Motor-free intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were calculated and paired-samples t-tests and the Reliable Change Index (RCI) were used to investigate change in IQ over time.
Results:
At the group level, nonverbal IQ scores declined significantly. At the individual level, RCI indicated nine and 11 children showed a clinically significant decline in Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and nonverbal IQ scores, respectively. Decline in FSIQ was related to a history of seizures whereas decline in nonverbal IQ was associated with higher initial IQ.
Conclusion:
Cognitive abilities in children with cerebral palsy evolve over time and selective deficits may not be observable until a later age, highlighting the importance of repeated cognitive assessment throughout childhood and adolescence.
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