Social understanding in the context of developmental disorders

Question 1

Williams Syndrome

Answer 1

• Neurodevelopmental disorder
• Genetic cause (deletion of genes on chromosome 7)
• Distinct physical, cognitive and behavioural presentation

Question 2

Physical signs of Williams syndrome

Answer 2

• Characteristic facial features (puffy under eyes, small chin)
• Failure to thrive
• Shorter than average
• Cardiovascular problems

Question 3

Cognitive profile of Williams syndrome

Answer 3

• Low IQ
• Stronger verbal than non verbal activities
• Distinct developmental trajectories

Question 4

Hypersociability in WS

Answer 4

An exaggerated interest in social interaction but lacking in social judgement with vulnerability to sexual abuse

Question 5

Syndrome specific differences in the allocation of social attention

Answer 5

• Autistic group show less looking to the face and are unable to follow gaze
• Williams group show increased looking to the face and find it difficult to disengage from the face
• Same behavioural response but different underlying pathology

Question 6

Theory of mind in Williams syndrome

Answer 6

Majority of research suggests that ToM is impaired in Williams syndrome

Question 7

Why hypersociability in Williams syndrome?

Answer 7

• Increased orientation to the face and difficulty disengaging attention
• Poor inhibiton
• Poor ability to read negative emotional cues
• Difficulty in understanding other people’s mental states

Question 8

Turner Syndrome

Answer 8

• Neurodevelopmental disorder
• Genetic cause - part or all of one of the X chromosomes missing
• Key physical signs emerge at puberty so diagnosis only occurs in adolescence
• Can be treated with hormone therapy

Question 9

Physical signs of Turner syndrome

Answer 9

• Shorter than average
• Underdeveloped ovaries
• Webbed neck, low set ears and hairline

Question 10

Cognitive profile of Turner syndrome

Answer 10

Weak non-verbal IQ driven by poor visuo-spatial skills and executive function difficulties

Question 11

Psychosocial profile of Turner syndrome

Answer 11

• Fewer friends and more social withdrawal
• Delay in reaching adult sexual milestones
• Vulnerability for depression
• Good education and employment outcomes

Question 12

Social cognition in Turner syndrome

Answer 12

• Look away from eyes towards mouth
• Can’t recognise fear emotion
• Poor theory of mind