Behavior in CHARGE syndrome: introduction to the special topic.

Challenging behavior in children with CHARGE syndrome has been increasingly a concern of parents, educators, and health professionals. This article introduces the special topic in the American Journal of Medical Genetics on behavior in individuals with CHARGE syndrome. It provides background on CHARGE syndrome, diagnostic criteria, and the relationship of sensory and other physical deficits with both development and behavior. Four themes related to our developing understanding of behavior in CHARGE are described: children with CHARGE have behaviors different from those seen in other syndromes with or without deafblindness. The behavior they display is often very adaptive to their environment and to their own disabilities. These behaviors may be partially related to problems with arousal and self-regulation. And, finally, all papers point to behavior as communication, especially within relationships, where it is essential for maximizing intellectual and social outcomes.