Social cognitive training in adolescents with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: feasibility and preliminary effects of the intervention

• Published in: Journal of intellectual disability research 2015-10, Vol.59 (10), p.902-913
• Main Authors: Shashi, V., Harrell, W., Eack, S., Sanders, C., McConkie-Rosell, A., Keshavan, M. S., Bonner, M. J., Schoch, K., Hooper, S. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adjustment (to Environment); Adolescent; Adolescents; Age Differences; behavioural phenotypes; Child; Children with disabilities; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive Therapy - methods; Control Groups; DiGeorge Syndrome - rehabilitation; Disabilities; Feasibility Studies; Female; Gender Differences; Genetic disorders; genetics; Humans; Intellectual disabilities; intellectual disability; Interpersonal Competence; Intervention; Male; Matched Groups; mental health; Outcomes of Treatment; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Pilot Projects; psychiatric disorders; Schizophrenia; Small Group Instruction; Social Cognition; Social Perception; Social Skills; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0964-2633; 1365-2788
• DOI: 10.1111/jir.12192

Background Children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) often have deficits in social cognition and social skills that contribute to poor adaptive functioning. These deficits may be of relevance to the later occurrence of serious psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia. Yet, there are no evidence‐based interventions to improve social cognitive functioning in children with 22q11DS. Methods Using a customised social cognitive curriculum, we conducted a pilot small‐group‐based social cognitive training (SCT) programme in 13 adolescents with 22q11DS, relative to a control group of nine age‐ and gender‐matched adolescents with 22q11DS. Results We found the SCT programme to be feasible, with high rates of compliance and satisfaction on the part of the participants and their families. Our preliminary analyses indicated that the intervention group showed significant improvements in an overall social cognitive composite index. Conclusions SCT in a small‐group format for adolescents with 22q11DS is feasible and results in gains in social cognition. A larger randomised controlled trial would permit assessment of efficacy of this promising novel intervention.