A Comparative Study of Sociability in Angelman, Cornelia de Lange, Fragile X, Down and Rubinstein Taybi Syndromes and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2016 Nov;121(6):465-486. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-121.6.465.

Abstract

Few comparative studies have evaluated the heterogeneity of sociability across a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. The Sociability Questionnaire for People with Intellectual Disability (SQID) was completed by caregivers of individuals with Cornelia de Lange (n = 98), Angelman (n = 66), Fragile X (n = 142), Down (n = 117) and Rubinstein Taybi (n = 88) syndromes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 107). Between groups and age-band (<12yrs; 12-18yrs; >18yrs) comparisons of SQID scores were conducted. Rates of behaviors indicative of selective mutism were also examined. Fragile X syndrome achieved the lowest SQID scores. Cornelia de Lange, ASD, and Fragile X groups scored significantly lower than Angelman, Down and Rubinstein Taybi groups. Selective mutism characteristics were highest in Cornelia de Lange (40%) followed by Fragile X (17.8%) and ASD (18.2%). Age-band differences were identified in Cornelia de Lange and Down syndrome.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; behavioral phenotypes; genetic syndromes; sociability; social anxiety.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Angelman Syndrome / psychology*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • De Lange Syndrome / psychology*
  • Down Syndrome / psychology*
  • Female
  • Fragile X Syndrome / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome / psychology*
  • Social Skills*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires