Using Behavioral Approaches to Assess Memory, Imitation and Motor Performance in Children with Angelman Syndrome: Results of a Pilot Study

Dev Neurorehabil. 2019 Nov;22(8):516-526. doi: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1619857. Epub 2019 May 22.

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to assess memory, imitation of motor actions and motor performance by 12 children (age range 40-151 months) with Angelman syndrome (AS), a rare neurogenetic disorder associated with learning and memory impairments. Methods: Children's functioning was assessed at several time points over a 3-month period. Results: Memory and motor performance tests had acceptable test-retest and inter-rater reliability whereas the motor imitation test did not. Children were able to recall action sequences after a 24-h delay. Memory and motor performance scores were correlated with children's chronological age and raw scores on subdomains of the Vineland-II. Conclusions: These behavioral tests require further development and evaluation but may show promise to accompany standardized assessments that are currently in use with children with AS.

Keywords: Angelman syndrome; intellectual disability; memory; motor imitation; motor performance.

MeSH terms

  • Angelman Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Angelman Syndrome / psychology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior*
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Motor Skills*
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards
  • Reproducibility of Results