Research Review: Williams syndrome: a critical review of the cognitive, behavioral, and neuroanatomical phenotype.
This review critically examines the research findings which characterize the cognitive, behavioral, and neuroanatomical features of Williams syndrome (WS). This article analyzes 178 published studies in the WS literature covering the following areas: 1) General intelligence, 2) Language skills, 3) Visuospatial and face processing skills, 4) Behavior patterns and hypersociability, 5) Musical abilities, and 6) Brain structure and function. We identify methodological issues relating to small sample size, use and type of control groups, and multiple measures of task performance. Previously described 'peaks' within the cognitive profile are closely examined to assess their veracity. This review highlights the need for methodologically sound studies that utilize multiple comparison groups, developmental trajectories, and longitudinal analyses to examine the WS phenotype, as well as those that link brain structure and function to the cognitive and behavioral phenotype of WS individuals.
Martens
Marilee A
MA
The Ohio State University-Newark, 1179 University Dr., Newark, OH 43055, USA. martens.22@osu.edu
Wilson
Sarah J
SJ
Reutens
David C
DC
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D004644:Emotions; D005149:Facial Expression; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010641:Phenotype; D012919:Social Behavior; D018980:Williams Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology