Behavioral functioning of school-aged children with non-syndromic craniosynostosis

Abstract

Purpose: this study investigated the risk for children with non-syndromic craniosynostosis to develop behavioral problems during school age determined by the type of craniosynostisis, age at first surgery, and number of surgeries. Method: final sample consisted of 43 children aged between 6 years and 8 months and 17 years and 1 month (M = 10 years and 5 months). Behavioral problems were assessed with Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL). Results: our sample had higher scores on the CBCL than the general population; specific elevations were observed including somatic complaints, aggressive behavior, social problems, attention problems, and thought problems and rule-breaking behavior. Behavioral functioning varied by number of surgical procedures, type of craniosynostosis, and age at first surgery. Conclusion: for school-aged NSC children's behavioral functioning, diagnosis specific patterns especially impacted by the first age of the surgery and number of surgeries.