Educational and occupational outcome in Prader-Willi syndrome.

An educational and occupational history was obtained for affected members of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (UK). Of 32 females and 29 males over 16 years of age (mean 23 years), over 45% attended mainstream infant schools, but by the time they reached junior and secondary schools the majority were in schools for children with learning disabilities. On reaching adulthood, 31% were attending adult training centres or day centres. Nearly one in six were in employment, usually of a sheltered type. The majority had no formal educational qualifications, but over 10% had at least one Certificate of Secondary Education and one person had three O levels. Nearly three-quarters of those with known intelligence quotients had IQs in the 70 to 100 range. The physical and behavioural characteristics of the study population closely resembled those reported in Prader-Willi syndrome by other authors, although it is possible that some members of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (UK) may not have Prader-Willi syndrome. The findings highlight the heterogeneity in educational achievements associated with Prader-Willi syndrome, and illustrate the importance of assessing individual educational strengths and needs.