Pubertal stage, sex and behaviour in neurodevelopmental disorders versus typical development: a cross-sectional study

Paediatric motor difficulties and internalising problems: an integrative review on the environmental stress hypothesis

The current study aims to provide an in-depth analysis and extension of the Environmental Stress Hypothesis (ESH) framework, focusing on the complex interplay between poor motor skills and internalising problems like anxiety and depression. Using an integrative research review methodology, this study synthesises findings from 38 articles, both empirical and theoretical, building upon previous foundational works. The hypothesis posits that poor motor skills serve as a primary stressor, leading to internalising problems through various secondary stressors. A rigorous comparison of data was conducted, considering study design, findings, and methodologies-while exploring variables such as age, sex, and comorbidities. The study also enhances the ESH framework by including intrapersonal stressors and introducing resource buffers, including optimism and familial support as additional influencing factors. This multi-level approach yields a more nuanced and comprehensive ESH framework, highlighting the need for future studies to consider variables that intersect across multiple domains and how the relationship between poor motor skills and internalising problems may vary across different life stages.

Evolution of neuropsychological and behavioral profile in a cohort of pediatric patients with Becker muscular dystrophy in a longitudinal study

It has long been reported that neuropsychological deficits may be present in dystrophinopathies, specifically non-progressive cognitive impairment and a global deficit in executive functions; this neurocognitive profile has been less explored in patients with Becker than Duchenne muscular dystrophy (BMD/DMD). We conducted a longitudinal study to explore the evolution of neuropsychological and behavioural profile in a cohort of paediatric BMD. Seventeen patients with BMD without intellectual disability were assessed using a full battery of tests, including intellectual, adaptive and executive functioning, language and behavioral features. Tests were performed at baseline and after 12 months. The results showed adequate cognitive and adaptive profile with falls in Working Memory, as well as lower scores in executive functions. An improvement was observed in Processing Speed. Behavioral questionnaires confirmed a negative trend, while in normal ranges. We found a statistically significant difference between T0 and T1 in some items exploring executive functions. No statistically significant difference was observed stratifying patients by mutation site or IQ level. In conclusion, our study suggests that BMD patients have a stable neurocognitive profile, while a deflection in the executive functions may be observed. We recommend a careful monitoring to intercept learning disabilities and promptly start a multimodal rehabilitation.