Cognitive Characteristics

Cognitive Characteristics

Cognitive characteristics refer to brain-based processes.

In the short film at the top of this page Dr Vicky Johnson introduces the term ‘executive functions’.  These are brain-based processes that control and regulate our behaviour.

Research from Reid and colleagues (2017) found that people with Cornelia de Lange syndrome find it more difficult to switch their attention from one task to another (cognitive flexibility) and also find it more difficult to avoid reacting in one way when there are two possible responses they could give (inhibition). These difficulties may also increase as people with Cornelia de Lange syndrome get older.

Individuals with CdLS can benefit from structuring their environment based on their cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Using environment enrichment strategies can enhance their cognitive and learning abilities.

You can learn more about the cognitive and behavioural characteristics of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome here.