Psychological characteristics of Sotos syndrome.

A preliminary investigation of the psychological characteristics of 16 children aged between five and 15 years who met the strict diagnostic criteria for Sotos syndrome demonstrated that, while cognitive abilities vary, there are behavioural patterns that are characteristic of the disorder. The children were reported to have high rates of behavioural disturbance at home, particularly tantrums, destructiveness, social withdrawal, and eating and sleeping difficulties. The children were reported to present fewer problems in the school environment. Other difficulties expressed by parents are also described and quantified.