Behavioral characteristics of three children with the broad thumb-hallux (Rubinstein-Taybi) syndrome

Abstract

Behavioral characteristics of three children with Broad Thumb-Hallux or Rubinstein-Taybi (R-T) syndrome were compared with those of a somewhat comparable clinic sample (N - 15) of children with organic syndromes and retardation. A number of mutual, behavioral resemblances of the three R-T children to each other were found to be absent or less prominent in the comparison group; these included: (i) the R-T children were more emotional and excitable; (ii) more often had nightmares and engaged in self-stimulation; (iii) had greater difficulty getting over anger (pouted); (iv) were friendly and more readily accepted social contacts; (v) had short attention span; and (vi) experienced more difficulty in planning motor acts, and in executing locomotor and oculomotor skills. The pattern of R-T mutual resemblances and their differences from other clinic children logically suggest what may be the behavioral characteristics of children with the R-T syndrome. Educational and child-management suggestions are provided based on the observed and tested characteristics which are presumably related to the R-T syndrome.