Socio-Behavioral Characteristics of Children with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

Research regarding the behavioral aspects of children with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) has suggested some possible behavioral patterns including autistic features. Caregivers of 39 children (mean age = 8.4 years) with RTS (49% showing abnormality in CREBBP gene) and 39 children (mean age = 8.6 years) matched on developmental level, age and gender were administered the Child Behavior Checklist and the Children’s Social Behavior Questionnaire. Children with RTS did not exhibit higher internalizing (affective and anxiety symptoms) or externalizing (disruptive symptoms) behavioral problems than expected for their age/developmental range. However, they displayed some specific behaviors: short attention span, motor stereotypies, poor coordination, and overweight. The presence of an identified CREBBP gene abnormality was possibly related to the motor difficulties through impaired motor skills learning.