29th Annual Student Research Conference
Application of Treatments for Maladaptive Behaviors and Cognitive Function of Autism to Similar Aspects of Prader-Willi Syndrome
Michaela J. Idleburg
Dr. Timothy D. Walston, Faculty Mentor
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which patients experience hyperphagia (insatiable appetite), along with cognitive disabilities and a range of behavioral problems. Both PWS and some forms of Autism are caused by the absence of the 15q11.2-q12 region of the paternal chromosome 15. One of the largest struggles of those with PWS and Autism is their inability to perform basic social interactions on a level sufficient enough to support normal everyday life. This deficit is due to their maladaptive behaviors, which are results of their cognitive underdevelopment. PWS has such a large range of characteristics that it requires multidisciplinary treatment to manage it. In this review of primary literature, the treatments towards cognitive impairment and behavior that are used for patients with Autism will be examined in the hopes of identifying a treatment that may also benefit those with PWS.
Keywords: Prader-Willi Syndrome, Autism, maladaptive behaviors, treatment, cognitive impairment, PWS
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 4-8
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30