Below-average Intelligence Research Articles

Are Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Psychopathology Amplified in Children with Below-Average Intelligence? A Population-Based Twin Study

There is a negative association between intelligence and psychopathology. We analyzed data on intelligence and psychopathology to assess this association in seven-year-old Dutch twin pairs (ranging from 616 to 14,150 depending on the phenotype) and estimated the degree to which genetic and environmental factors common to intelligence and psychopathology explain the association. Secondly, we examined whether genetic and environmental effects on psychopathology are moderated by intelligence. We found that intelligence, as assessed by psychometric IQ tests, correlated negatively with childhood psychopathology, as assessed by the DSM-oriented scales of the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). The correlations ranged between − .09 and − .15 and were mainly explained by common genetic factors. Intelligence moderated genetic and environmental effects on anxiety and negative affect, but not those on ADHD, ODD, and autism. The heritability of anxiety and negative affect was greatest in individuals with below-average intelligence. We discuss mechanisms through which this effect could arise, and we end with some recommendations for future research.

Hearing loss, depression, and cognition in younger and older adult CI candidates.

Hearing loss in old age is associated with cognitive decline and with depression. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and secondary depressive symptoms in a sample of younger and older cochlear implant candidates with profound to severe hearing loss. This study is part of a larger cohort study designated to provide information on baseline data before CI. Sixty-one cochlear implant candidates with hearing loss from adulthood onwards (>18 years) were enrolled in this study. All had symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss in both ears (four-frequency hearing threshold difference of no more than 20 dB, PTA). Individuals with primary affective disorders, psychosis, below-average intelligence, poor German language skills, visual impairment, and a medical diagnosis with potential impact on cognition (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases,) were excluded. Four-frequency hearing thresholds (dB, PTA, better ear) were collected. Using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, we assessed subjective hearing in noise. Clinical and subclinical depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II). Cognitive status was assessed with a neurocognitive test battery. Our findings revealed a significant negative association between subjective hearing in noise (APHAB subscale "Background Noise") and BDII. However, we did not observe any link between hearing thresholds, depression, and cognition. Additionally, no differences emerged between younger (25-54 years) and older subjects (55-75 years). Unexpectedly, further unplanned analyses unveiled correlations between subjective hearing in quiet environments (APHAB) and cognitive performance [phonemic fluency (Regensburg Word Fluency), cognitive flexibility (TMTB), and nonverbal episodic memory (Nonverbal Learning Test), as well as subjective hearing of aversive/loud sounds (APHAB)], cognitive performance [semantic word fluency (RWT), and inhibition (Go/Nogo) and depression]. Duration of hearing loss and speech recognition at quiet (Freiburg Monosyllables) were not related to depression and cognitive performance. Impact of hearing loss on mood and cognition appears to be independent, suggesting a relationship with distinct aspects of hearing loss. These results underscore the importance of considering not only conventional audiometric measures like hearing thresholds but also variables related to hearing abilities during verbal communication in everyday life, both in quiet and noisy settings.

Cognitive profiles in pediatric unilobar vs. multilobar epilepsy.

We aimed to determine how cognitive impairment relates to the extent of the presumed epileptogenic zone in pediatric focal epilepsies. We analyzed the cognitive functions in unilobar compared to multilobar focal epilepsy patients that underwent neuropsychological testing at a tertiary epilepsy center. We assessed cognitive functions of pediatric focal epilepsy patients with the German version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales that measures full-scale IQ and subcategories. We assessed differences in IQ and epilepsy-related variables between unilobar and multilobar epilepsy patients. We included 62 patients (37 unilobar, 25 multilobar), aged 10.6±3.7 years. Full-scale IQ values were significantly higher in unilobar (93.6±17.7, 95% CI 87.7-99.6) than in multilobar epilepsy patients (77.3±17.2, 95% CI 69.3-85.0; p=0.001). In all but one IQ subcategory (working memory), significantly higher values were measured in unilobar than in multilobar epilepsy patients. The proportion of unilobar epilepsy patients with severe cognitive impairment (8.3%) and below-average intelligence (30.5%) was lower compared to multilobar epilepsy patients (47.6% and 61.9%; p=0.002 and p=0.021, respectively). Epilepsy onset occurred earlier in multilobar (4.0 years, 95% CI 2.6-5.5, SD±3.4 years) than in unilobar epilepsy patients (7.0 years, 95% CI 5.5-8.5, SD±4.4 years, p=0.008). Pediatric multilobar epilepsy patients face more cognitive issues than unilobar epilepsy patients on average. Our findings should help to identify children and adolescents who are most at risk for impaired cognitive development. A limitation of our study is the simple division into unilobar and multilobar epilepsies, with no specific account being taken of etiology/epilepsy syndrome, which can have a profound effect on cognition.

Globally elevated excitation–inhibition ratio in children with autism spectrum disorder and below-average intelligence

BackgroundAltered neuronal excitation–inhibition (E–I) balance is strongly implicated in ASD. However, it is not known whether the direction and degree of changes in the E–I ratio in individuals with ASD correlates with intellectual disability often associated with this developmental disorder. The spectral slope of the aperiodic 1/f activity reflects the E–I balance at the scale of large neuronal populations and may uncover its putative alternations in individuals with ASD with and without intellectual disability.MethodsHerein, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to test whether the 1/f slope would differentiate ASD children with average and below–average (< 85) IQ. MEG was recorded at rest with eyes open/closed in 49 boys with ASD aged 6–15 years with IQ ranging from 54 to 128, and in 49 age-matched typically developing (TD) boys. The cortical source activity was estimated using the beamformer approach and individual brain models. We then extracted the 1/f slope by fitting a linear function to the log–log-scale power spectra in the high-frequency range.ResultsThe global 1/f slope averaged over all cortical sources demonstrated high rank-order stability between the two conditions. Consistent with previous research, it was steeper in the eyes-closed than in the eyes-open condition and flattened with age. Regardless of condition, children with ASD and below-average IQ had flatter slopes than either TD or ASD children with average or above-average IQ. These group differences could not be explained by differences in signal-to-noise ratio or periodic (alpha and beta) activity.LimitationsFurther research is needed to find out whether the observed changes in E–I ratios are characteristic of children with below-average IQ of other diagnostic groups.ConclusionsThe atypically flattened spectral slope of aperiodic activity in children with ASD and below-average IQ suggests a shift of the global E–I balance toward hyper-excitation. The spectral slope can provide an accessible noninvasive biomarker of the E–I ratio for making objective judgments about treatment effectiveness in people with ASD and comorbid intellectual disability.

Nature, Prevalence, and Impact of Undernutrition on Intelligence Among School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study from South India

Good nutrition is a basic criterion for optimum health, productivity, and overall functional efficiency. The children who had malnutrition in their early years secured poor cognitive test scores in school years compared to children with optimal nutrition. The present study aimed to associate the degrees of undernutrition and intelligence among school children. This is a cross-sectional study that included 600 children aged 6 and 12 years, and assessed the anthropometry and intelligence quotient levels through appropriate scales. The results revealed that the higher percentage of stunted, underweight, and thinness were highly associated with below-average intelligence, which was more than two times greater risk compared to the percentage with the degrees of undernutrition to the above-average intelligence. The children’s age, gender, birth weight, and socioeconomic status were also strongly associated with the intelligence quotient level. This study offers new insight for formulating the policies and intervention programs in the future.

Prevalence and Association of Different Levels of Intellectual Disability with Prenatal, Perinatal, Neonatal and Postnatal Factors

Intellectual disability (ID), also called mental retardation, is defined by below-average intelligence or mental aptitude as well as a lack of life skills. It has a significant association with residency, family history, and chromosomal disorder. An analytical cross-sectional study was performed over a period from December 2019 to January 2021 in special educations centers and hospitals of Lahore, Faisalabad, Shahkot, Sialkot, Gujranwala and Sangala, Punjab, Pakistan. This study was aimed to access the prevalence and risk factors of Intellectual disability (ID). Questionnaires were designed and filled with the help of general doctors, pediatricians, and psychiatrists who diagnosed both intellectual and adaptive functioning of individuals Association between these parameters was analyzed by using SPSS software (Chi-square test) between ID and risk factors and the level of significance was considered as P&lt;0.05. The frequency of mild, moderate, severe, and profound ID was 46.7 %, 32.1 %, 14.6 %, and 6.7 % respectively. More males (56.82 %) as compared to females 43.17 % were observed.

Role of adjuvant homoeopathic medicines in the management of intellectual disability – A purposive, non-randomised, self-controlled, pre- and post-intervention pilot study

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) is characterised by below-average intelligence and a lack of skills necessary for day-to-day living. A study was conducted by our institute at a school for students of special needs. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to demonstrate the role of homoeopathic management in ID. Methods: A purposive, non-randomised, self-controlled, pre- and post-intervention study of 25 participants was done. The initial 6 months were the control period, thereafter, the same participants were treated for 18 months, with homoeopathy. Treatment outcomes were assessed using domains of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-V-V. Scores of each domain were observed at 6 months interval and analysed. Results: A statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was observed in adaptive functioning treatment scores for conceptual domain, social domain and practical domain. It justifies the clinically significant improvement in the features of ID, reflected in all domains of adaptive functioning, cognition, hyperactivity, behavioural dysfunction and communication difficulty. Furthermore, it was seen that the dosage of pharmacological medicines was gradually tapered off in most cases. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated the utility of homoeopathic treatment as an adjuvant in the management of ID, which is reflected through significant improvement in psychosocial adaptation of the subjects and improved their quality of life.

Associated factors of legal child marriage in Turkey: pregnancy and below-average intelligence.

Turkish civil code permits child marriages at 16-17 years of age, but if a child is 16 years old judicial consent is needed. Before making a final decision on marriage consent, the judges refer these children to the doctor, and ask whether they are psychologically and physically ready for marriage. While the literature on child marriage in Turkey is rich, little is known about the underlying factors leading 16-year-old girls to request legal child marriage. This study examined the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of girls applying to the courts for judicial marriage consent. Hospital records of girls admitted to a hospital in the Istanbul province of Turkey between January 2015 and December 2018 for the assessment of their physical and mental readiness for marriage were scanned. Of the 122 girls admitted to hospital for this purpose, eight were excluded as they had incomplete data, leaving 114 participating girls. All girls were Turkish citizens and had been referred from the law courts. Being pregnant/having a child (54.4%), having had a religious (non-legal) marriage (49.1%) and having an intelligence score of less than 90 (91.2%) were common among the participants. Among those who had a religious marriage, 78.6% were pregnant/had a child at the time of evaluation and 32.1% reported that they were pregnant before their religious marriage took place. None of the participants reported being forced to marry, but many had run away from home to marry (33.3%). Among those running away to marry, the major reason for deciding to do this was being pregnant (63.2%). Running away from home to marry was found to be related to lower parental educational levels (p<0.05). Contrary to the literature, the findings indicate that girls who request judicial consent for legal child marriage in Turkey are not being forced to marry. However, lower educational level seems to be an important factor. Below-average intelligence of the girl and her parents, running away from home to marry and early unsafe sexual intercourse, leading to child pregnancy, were found to be closely associated with legal child marriage in Turkey.

Altered Gene Expression Profiles in Neural Stem Cells Derived from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients with Intellectual Disability.

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by below-average intelligence (intelligence quotient of <70) accompanied by adaptive behavior deficits. Defects in the functions of neural stem cells during brain development are closely linked to the pathogenesis of ID. To understand the molecular etiology of ID, we examined neural stem cells from individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder in which approximately one-third of the patients exhibit ID. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a normal individual and DMD patients with and without ID to identify ID-specific functional and molecular abnormalities. We found defects in neural ectoderm formation in the group of DMD patients with ID. Our transcriptome analysis of patient-derived neural stem cells revealed altered expression of genes related to the hippo signaling pathway and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, implicating these in the pathogenesis of ID in patients with DMD.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Serum And Intelligence Levels of Elementary School Children in Rural Areas, Seluma Regency

Children living in rural areas are prone to nutritional deficiencies. Low-income levels impact people’s purchasing power so that the intake of most nutrients comes from plant-based foods and consumes less animal food. Nutritional intake greatly affects the development of children’s cognitive function. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a group of neurotrophins that contribute greatly to the learning process and memory. This study aims to analyze the relationship between levels of BDNF with the level of intelligence in elementary school children in rural areas of Seluma Regency. This was a cross-sectional study involving 70 elementary school children aged 9-12 years were taken by multi-stage random sampling, who came from 5 districts of Seluma Regency. Blood was collected for measurement of BDNF levels, and stool samples were examined to detect intestinal parasites. The data on respondent characteristics were derived from questionnaires. Data analysis were done by using the chi-square test. The results of BDNF measurements found 31 children (44.3%) had BDNF levels below the average (&lt;3342.95ng / mL). The results of measuring intelligence level found that 54 children (77.1%) had a level of intelligence below the average. Chi-Square test results obtained p = 0.012 with a PR value of 7.538. There was a significant association between the BDNF level and intelligence level in elementary school students in the rural area. Elementary school children in rural areas with BDNF levels below the average risk of 7.538 times have below-average intelligence levels.

Teknik Reframing untuk mengurangi pemikiran negatif pada wanita depresi dengan gejala psikotik

Individuals who experience depression generally have negative thoughts. The purpose of this study was to see the effectiveness of reframing to reduce negative thoughts in depression sufferers with psychotic symptoms. This research uses a qualitative case study approach with one subject. The instruments used were interviews, observations, the Beck Depression Inventory scale, World Health Organization: Disability Assessment Schedule scale, and the Standard Progressive Matrixes test. The treatment given to the subject is cognitive therapy with reframing techniques by changing the way the subject perceives the problem. The intervention was carried out with several stages with results showing that reframing was able to reframe wrong thinking and could be applied to individuals who had below-average intelligence through family assistance and a high desire to recover.

Neurocognitive Effects and Necrosis in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated With Radiation Therapy: A PENTEC Comprehensive Review

A PENTEC review of childhood cancer survivors who received brain radiation therapy (RT) was performed to develop models that aid in developing dose constraints for RT-associated central nervous system (CNS) morbidities. A comprehensive literature search, through the PENTEC initiative, was performed to identify published data pertaining to 6 specific CNS toxicities in children treated with brain RT. Treatment and outcome data on survivors were extracted and used to generate normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models. The search identified investigations pertaining to 2 of the 6 predefined CNS outcomes: neurocognition and brain necrosis. For neurocognition, models for 2 post-RT outcomes were developed to (1) calculate the risk for a below-average intelligence quotient (IQ) (IQ <85) and (2) estimate the expected IQ value. The models suggest that there is a 5% risk of a subsequent IQ <85 when 10%, 20%, 50%, or 100% of the brain is irradiated to 35.7, 29.1, 22.2, or 18.1 Gy, respectively (all at 2 Gy/fraction and without methotrexate). Methotrexate (MTX) increased the risk for an IQ <85 similar to a generalized uniform brain dose of 5.9 Gy. The model for predicting expected IQ also includes the effect of dose, age, and MTX. Each of these factors has an independent, but probably cumulative effect on IQ. The necrosis model estimates a 5% risk of necrosis for children after 59.8 Gy or 63.6 Gy (2 Gy/fraction) to any part of the brain if delivered as primary RT or reirradiation, respectively. This PENTEC comprehensive review establishes objective relationships between patient age, RT dose, RT volume, and MTX to subsequent risks of neurocognitive injury and necrosis. A lack of consistent RT data and outcome reporting in the published literature hindered investigation of the other predefined CNS morbidity endpoints.

STUDY ON COPING AMONG PARENTS WITH CHRONIC ILL CHILD

Coping is the use of cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage the demands of a situation when these are appraised as taxing or exceeding one’s resources or to reduce the negative emotions and conflict caused by stress(American Psychological Association). A physical disability is a limitation on a person's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina. Other physical disabilities include impairments which limit other facets of daily living, such as respiratory disorders, blindness, epilepsy and sleep disorders. A mentally disabled is characterized by below-average intelligence or mental ability and a lack of skills necessary for day-to-day living. People with intellectual disabilities can and do learn new skills, but they learn them more slowly. The study aimed to find the coping of parents with physically or mentally disabled child in different situations or occasions. The sample considered included a total of 35 parents with 18 females and 17 males were selected using purposive sampling. Coping Health Inventory for Parents (McCubbin, Patterson, Cauble, Wilson and Warwick, 1983) was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using frequency distribution, standard deviation and correlation. The result showed that the coping patterns were different based on their gender. The father were having a higher emotional disturbance as compared to that of the mother, they also had an unsatisfactory relationship to the chronically ill-child. Whereas, the mother had a higher level of relationship with the chronically ill-child. The result also showed that there was a significant correlation between the coping patterns of many families in different occasion.

Memberdayakan Anak Autis Sebagai Amanah Tuhan : Kajian Psikologi Lintas Budaya dengan Metode Client Centered

&lt;p&gt;This article was written aims to determine the proper empower method in children with autism. A surrogate child of God. Every child was born nothing is the same. No child is born with perfect physically, mentally. The other hand also children born to experience abnormality or disability. Whatever the situation of children who are born in the world, parents are obliged to maintain and empower. The goal as the provision of the future life of the child as an adult. &lt;br /&gt;Abnormality across studies in cross-cultural psychology studies. There is a difference of meaning in a place or state defines the abnormality. The basis of the difference gives meaning to the abnormality is due to cultural background. One part of abnormality or disability is a child with autism. An autistic child have outstanding advantages. Among these advantages is his &lt;br /&gt;intelligence. The other hand of autistic children also who experienced below-average intelligence. To achieve the a happy life of autistic children need education. One method is right for empowering children with autism are client centered method.&lt;/p&gt;

Intelligence in offspring born to women exposed to intimate partner violence: a population-based cohort study.

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a risk factor for developmental problems in offspring. Despite a high prevalence of IPV in the UK and elsewhere, the longer-term outcomes of offspring born to exposed mothers remain under-researched. Methods: Population-based cohort study. We assessed IPV prevalence by type and timing for 3,153 mother-child pairs with complete data within our study population and examined associations between IPV and offspring IQ. We used multiple-imputation to evaluate bias due to our exclusion of observations with missing covariate data. Results: Nearly one in five mothers reported IPV during the study period, with 17.6% reporting emotional violence and 6.8% reporting physical violence. Taking into account potential confounders, the IQ scores of children born to mothers exposed to physical violence remained lower than those of maternally unexposed children (full-scale IQ = -2.8 points [95%CI -4.9 to -0.7], verbal IQ = -2.2 [95%CI -4.4 to -0.1], performance IQ = -2.7 [95%CI -5.0 to -0.5]) and odds of below-average intelligence (IQ<90) remained increased for full-scale (OR 1.48 [95%CI 1.03 to 2.14] and performance IQ (OR 1.48 [95%CI 1.08 to 2.04]) but not verbal IQ (OR 1.06 [95%CI 0.69 to 1.64]). Most physical violence occurred postnatally, and relative odds were most substantial when mothers were exposed to violence across pre-/perinatal and postnatal study periods (OR performance IQ<90 = 2.97 [95%CI 1.30 to 6.82]). Conclusions: Maternal exposure to physical IPV is associated with lower offspring IQ at age 8. Associations persisted after adjusting for potential confounders and were driven by violence occurring postnatally.

Dukungan Sosial Guru Dalam Upaya Membimbing Kemandirian Anak Moderate Intellectual Disability

In the world of education, some children significantly have below-average intelligence andthrow obstacles in ourselves in their development. Children known as moderate intellectualdisability, IQ range from 40-54, mayors have appeared in daily activities, such as selfdevelopmentactivities and need the training to foster independence. Teachers must be able toassist, such as serving needs, awards, funds, and providing advice to help children withintellectual disability. Teachers provide social assistance as an effort to guide self-reliance tofoster a sense of responsibility. Also, teachers can develop teaching material models, such asthematic and individual learning tailored to the ability to learn and learn, make decisions.This research is qualitative research, with 4 teachers as the respondent. The results of thisstudy indicate that teachers who educate children with moderate intellectual disability whohave proposed several people, including, emotional, and instrumental in guiding studentindependence. The results of the study on four teachers who educate children with moderateintellectual disability, indicate that teachers who have proposed several support, including,emotional, and instrumental in an effort to guide student independence. The samplingtechnique in this study used the sampling criteria through sampling using subjects that werein accordance with the research criteria. Furthermore, suggestions, guidance, suggestionsfor guidance in learning can be provided by parents and students or media in the form ofdrawings, and supporting tools for teaching and learning activities and suggestions to helpdevelop students with parents.

Prestasi Belajar pada Remaja yang Mengalami Dismenorea Primer

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea occurs in approximately 50% of teenage girls and cause serious disruptions in the quality of life and daily activities. Primary dysmenorrhea makes teenagers difficult to concentrate in school which will decrease their academic achievement.Objective: to investigate whether there is a correlation between Primary dysmenorrhea and academic achievement of students of SMP Islam Terpadu Pondok Pesantren Tahfidzul Qur’an (SMP IT PPTQ) Ibnu Abbas Klaten.Method: This study is a case-control study through a quantitative approach and was supported with qualitative data. The research sample is 68 teenage girls of SMP IT PPTQ Ibnu Abbas Klaten who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The cases groups are female students with low learning achievement, while the control group was female students with high learning achievement. The samples were taken using simple random sampling. Researcher used a structured questionnaire, interview and secondary data to collect the data. The data analysis was using descriptive and inferential analysis including bivariate analysis using chi-square test and multivariate analysis using logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a significance level of p &lt;0.05.Result and Discussion: The bivariate and multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between primary dysmenorrhea and learning achievement. The possibility of finding girls with primary dysmenorrhea in the group of students who received a low learning achievement is 3 times larger than the group of students who received high learning achievement. Below-average intelligence is greater in the group of low-achieving students than the group of high-achieving students. There is a correlation between the variables of intelligence, stress level and frequency of dysmenorrhea and academic achievement. The variable of absences frequency not related to learning achievement.Conclusion: There is correlation between primary dysmenorrhea and learning achievement (p=0.026). This study indicates that women and their school should pay attention to their menstrual function and dysmenorrhea phenomenon.Keywords: learning achievement, primary dysmenorrhea, teenage, menstrual disorder

Behavioral Problems in Preschool Children Stemming from Perinatal Stroke

Abstract. Background: Perinatal stroke results in damage to the maturing brain and often leads to neurological deficits as well as mental and psychosocial impairments. This study identifies mental impairments emerging in preschool aged children following perinatal strokes. Methods: Scores on CBCL / 4-18 and CPM for 63 children following perinatal stroke were evaluated. Results: The study revealed a high incidence of behavioral disorders (39.7 %), especially on the CBCL subscales Social Problems and Attention Problems. Stroke type and involvement of the middle cerebral artery exerted the largest influence. A total of 48.3 % of the children exhibited below-average intelligence, though there was no significant correlation between intelligence and behavioral problems. Conclusion: In addition to cognitive and physical impairments, the psychological consequences of the disease must also be taken into account.

Neuropsychological Follow-up After Neonatal ECMO.

To assess the longitudinal development of intelligence and its relation to school performance in a nationwide cohort of neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) survivors and evaluate predictors of outcome at 8 years of age. Repeated measurements assessed intelligence of neonatal ECMO survivors at 2, 5, and 8 years (n = 178) with the use of validated, standardized instruments. Selective attention (n = 148) and type of education were evaluated in the 8-year-olds. Intelligence remained stable and average across development (mean ± SD IQ: at 2 years, 102 ± 18; at 5 years, 100 ± 17; and at 8 years, 99 ± 17 [P = .15]). Children attending regular education without the need for help (n = 101; mean z score: -1.50 ± 1.93) performed significantly better on the selective attention task compared with those children who needed extra help (n = 65; mean z score: -2.54 ± 3.18) or those attending special education (n = 13; mean z score: -4.14 ± 3.63) (P = .03). However, only children attending special education had below-average intelligence (mean IQ: 76 ± 15), compared with average intelligence for those attending regular education, both with help (mean IQ: 95 ± 15) and without help (mean IQ: 105 ± 16). Compared with children with other diagnoses, children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) scored significantly lower on both IQ (CDH, mean IQ: 93 ± 20; meconium aspiration syndrome, mean IQ: 100 ± 15; other diagnoses, mean IQ: 100 ± 19 [P = .04]) and selective attention (CDH, mean z score: -3.48 ± 3.46; meconium aspiration syndrome, mean z score: -1.60 ± 2.13; other diagnoses, mean z score: -1.65 ± 2.39 [P = .002]). For the majority of neonatal ECMO survivors, intelligence testing alone did not identify those at risk for academic problems. We propose internationally standardized follow-up protocols that focus on long-term, problem-oriented neuropsychological assessment.

Intelligence May Moderate the Cognitive Profile of Patients with ASD

BackgroundThe intelligence of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) varies considerably. The pattern of cognitive deficits associated with ASD may differ depending on intelligence. We aimed to study the absolute and relative severity of cognitive deficits in participants with ASD in relation to IQ.MethodsA total of 274 children (M age = 12.1, 68.6% boys) participated: 30 ASD and 22 controls in the below average Intelligence Quotient (IQ) group (IQ<85), 57 ASD and 54 controls in the average IQ group (85<IQ<115) and 41 ASD and 70 controls in the above average IQ group (IQ>115). Matching for age, sex, Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), Verbal IQ (VIQ), Performance IQ (PIQ) and VIQ-PIQ difference was performed. Speed and accuracy of social cognition, executive functioning, visual pattern recognition and basic processing speed were examined per domain and as a composite score.ResultsThe composite score revealed a trend significant IQ by ASD interaction (significant when excluding the average IQ group). In absolute terms, participants with below average IQs performed poorest (regardless of diagnosis). However, in relative terms, above average intelligent participants with ASD showed the most substantial cognitive problems (particularly for social cognition, visual pattern recognition and verbal working memory) since this group differed significantly from the IQ-matched control group (p < .001), whereas this was not the case for below-average intelligence participants with ASD (p = .57).ConclusionsIn relative terms, cognitive deficits appear somewhat more severe in individuals with ASD and above average IQs compared to the below average IQ patients with ASD. Even though high IQ ASD individuals enjoy a certain protection from their higher IQ, they clearly demonstrate cognitive impairments that may be targeted in clinical assessment and treatment. Conversely, even though in absolute terms ASD patients with below average IQs were clearly more impaired than ASD patients with average to above average IQs, the differences in cognitive functioning between participants with and without ASD on the lower end of the IQ spectrum were less pronounced. Clinically this may imply that cognitive assessment and training of cognitive skills in below average intelligent children with ASD may be a less fruitful endeavour. These findings tentatively suggest that intelligence may act as a moderator in the cognitive presentation of ASD, with qualitatively different cognitive processes affected in patients at the high and low end of the IQ spectrum.