Framework for assessing individuals with rare genetic disorders associated with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD): the example of Phelan�…

L Soorya, J Leon, MP Trelles…�- The Clinical�…, 2018 - Taylor & Francis
L Soorya, J Leon, MP Trelles, A Thurm
The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 2018Taylor & Francis
Background: Specialized strategies are needed to understand the complex
neuropsychological impairments reported in individuals with profound intellectual and
multiple disabilities (PIMD) associated with rare genetic disorders. Methods: This narrative
review focuses on assessment of individuals with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) as a
condition commonly associated with PIMD. Published case series and prospective studies
were reviewed to evaluate approaches to cognitive, language, motor/sensory, and�…
Background
Specialized strategies are needed to understand the complex neuropsychological impairments reported in individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) associated with rare genetic disorders.
Methods
This narrative review focuses on assessment of individuals with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) as a condition commonly associated with PIMD. Published case series and prospective studies were reviewed to evaluate approaches to cognitive, language, motor/sensory, and behavioral domains. This review is framed using general principles for neuropsychological evaluation in PIMD.
Results
Neuropsychological assessment domains and tools varied across published reports. Adaptive behavior measures, out-of-range developmental assessments, and social-communication measures were commonly used. Available findings were used to shape a recommended framework with potential to improve measurement of clinical outcomes and advance scientific discovery.
Conclusions
The recommended framework outlines an inter-disciplinary and multimodal neuropsychological assessment process relying on modified standardized assessments, functional assessments, and caregiver/informant reports when evaluating individuals with PIMD. Arrested development and skill variability/regression are also discussed as additional, important considerations in neuropsychological evaluation of individuals with PIMD and rare genetic disorders.
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