Sensory Motor and Functional Skills of Dizygotic Twins: One with Smith–Magenis Syndrome and a Twin Control

Abstract

Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS), the result of an interstitial deletion within chromosome 17p11.2, is a disorder that may include minor dysmorphic features, brachydactyly, short stature, hypotonia, speech delays, cognitive deficits, signs of peripheral neuropathy, scoliosis, and neurobehavioral problems including sleep disturbances and maladaptive repetitive and self-injurious behaviors. Physical and occupational therapists provide services for children who have the syndrome, whose genetic disorder is frequently not identified or diagnosed before 1 year of age. A comprehensive physical and occupational therapy evaluation was completed in nonidentical twins with one having SMS, using the Sensory Profile; Brief Assessment of Motor Function (BAMF); Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2); and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). This provides a framework for conducting assessments to enhance early detection and interdisciplinary management with this specialized population.

KEYWORDS:

• Fine motor
• genetic disorder
• gross motor
• sensory processing