Domain specific attentional impairments in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Brain Cogn. 2007 Aug;64(3):265-73. doi: 10.1016/j.bandc.2007.03.007. Epub 2007 May 11.

Abstract

One of the defining cognitive characteristics of the chromosome 22q deletion syndrome (DS22q11.2) is visuospatial processing impairments. The purpose of this study was to investigate and extend the specific attentional profile of children with this disorder using both an object-based attention task and an inhibition of return task. A group of children with the disorder was compared in these tasks with a group of age-matched typically developing children. The children with DS22q11.2 demonstrated impaired spatially based orienting which is consistent with previous findings in this group. Strikingly, the children with DS22q11.2 also demonstrated an improved ability to use object-based cues, relative to the typically developing group. Finally, the children with DS22q11.2 demonstrated an intact inhibition of return system, however, it appears to be delayed developmentally.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention*
  • Child
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Deletion*
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Male
  • Space Perception*
  • Syndrome