Assessment and Intervention in Brachmann Cornelia de Lange Syndrome: A Tailored Approach Using the Griffiths III
Jennifer M. Jansen *
Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa and Association for Research in Infant and Child Development, Manchester, UK.
Elizabeth M. Green
Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa and Association for Research in Infant and Child Development, Manchester, UK.
Louise A. Stroud
Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa and Association for Research in Infant and Child Development, Manchester, UK.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The process of evaluation and intervention of an atypical child poses challenges in numerous developmental areas. These challenges include measures that are not normed for a clinical population, the interpretation of test scores and the use of test scores to devise a meaningful individualised intervention plan that also considers sociocultural issues affecting family functioning.
Aims: This study aims to evaluate the developmental, behavioural, and adaptive functioning of a 7-year-1-month-old girl diagnosed with Brachmann Cornelia de Lange Syndrome using the Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition (Griffiths III).
Methodology: The Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition (Griffiths III), were used to assess the child’s developmental functioning across five domains: Foundations of Learning, Language and Communication, Eye–Hand Coordination, Personal–Social–Emotional functioning, and Gross Motor skills. Behavioural functioning was assessed using the Conners 3 Parent and Teacher Rating Scales, while adaptive functioning was evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales.
Results: The Griffiths III results confirmed a pattern of global delay in all areas of her developmental functioning. The child demonstrated difficulty with the medical and behavioural manifestations of her genetic disorder that needed to be factored into the intervention strategy. The results guided the interventions of different professionals in developing an individualised intervention plan considering the above-identified challenges.
Conclusion: This study serves as a guide for determining the level of functioning of an atypical child in the context of limited normed measures for such populations. As this is a single case study, the findings are not generalizable to the broader population; further, multiple case studies may provide deeper insight into similar presentations.
Keywords: Atypical development, adaptive functioning, early childhood, Brachmann Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Griffiths III, behavioural assessment, intervention