Abstract
Background. Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a genetic condition characterized by many clinical disorders, learning difficulties, dysphagia, neuromotor deficits and communicative deficits. Up until now, no studies in the literature have described the development of communicative and functional abilities in subjects with WHS. Method. In the present study of 11 patients with WHS, a descriptive analysis was made of several abilities and three groups of patients were identified on the basis of the severity of their functional deficit. Results. A non-homogeneous picture of impairment emerged in various areas of development. Overall, the neuromotor abilities of these patients were more adequate than their abilities related to autonomy in personal life, alimentary function, and cognitive and communicative-linguistic aspects. Conclusion. Based on the identification of specific patterns of communicative and functional impairment in subjects with WHS, rehabilitative intervention strategies can be planned to increase their communicative opportunities, and possibilities for active and autonomous participation in various life contexts (e.g. home, school and the social environment.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 575-582 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Intellectual Disability Research |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2002 |
Keywords
- Augementative and alternative communication
- Communication difficulties
- Rehabilitation
- Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
- Health Professions(all)
- Rehabilitation
- Genetics(clinical)
- Education
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology
- Psychiatry and Mental health