Social cognition in genetic syndromes

The distinct profiles of sociability and the development of social cognitive abilities was investigated in Cornelia de Lange (CdLS), Fragile X (FXS) and Rubinstein-Taybi (RTS) syndromes. An observational study demonstrated differences in the quality of broad social interaction skills and behaviours during a semi-structured social interaction with an examiner between individuals with CdLS, FXS and RTS. Individuals with FXS and RTS showed lower quality of eye contact, and individuals with FXS showed less person-focused attention, than those with CdLS. Associations between specific behaviours with age and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology differed across groups. A second study assessing participant's performance on two scaled batteries of tasks assessing early (intentionality abilities) and later developing (ToM abilities) social cognitive abilities indicated that these groups do not develop these abilities in the same order as typically developing children. Different strengths and weaknesses observed between groups highlighted factors that may lead to disrupted social cognitive development in these groups. A third study showed that intentionality abilities predicted social enjoyment and social motivation, whereas ToM abilities predicted social enjoyment and ASD symptomatology in all groups. These fmdings were synthesised with previous literature to develop a preliminary model of sociability in CdLS, FXS and RTS