Social Functioning in Adolescents with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Developmental Perspective

Abstract

The 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is associated with a wide variety of developmental disorders. Individuals with this birth defect present impairments in social reciprocal behaviour. However, they often do not meet the full criteria of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The development of social functioning is an area of concern and it remains unclear how IQ is related. The aim of this longitudinal study was to give an overview of the social functioning profile in a sample of 22q11DS adolescents. The Social Responsiveness Scale – second edition (SRS-2) was used for measuring social functioning. We compared scores of social functioning on different timepoints to examine developmental trajectories. Additionally, we compared scores between adolescents with diagnosed ASD, any other psychiatric diagnosis and without a psychiatric diagnosis and explored the role of IQ on social functioning. Social functioning seems to decline between the ages 18,67 and 22,34 years (p = .036). Against the expectation, reported deficits in social functioning are clinically significant in the whole sample of 22q11DS adolescents, regardless of psychiatric diagnoses. Autistic mannerism are significantly more problematic in patients with diagnosed ASD (p = .022) compared to the other diagnosis groups. IQ is not significantly associated with social functioning. Current results highlight the importance of early and frequent evaluation of social functioning in adolescents with 22q11DS. More research is needed to investigate the observed decline of social functioning. Furthermore, a broader investigation of social deficits related to ASD in 22q11DS individuals in clinical practice and research may facilitate treatment for all patients experiencing social functioning problems. This can increase quality of life in 22q11DS individuals and their caregivers.