Behavioral functioning of school-aged children with non-syndromic craniosynostosis

Abstract

Purpose This study investigated the risk for children with non-syndromic craniosynostosis to develop behavioral problems during school age determined by the type of craniosynostisis, age at first surgery, and number of surgeries. Method Final sample consisted of 43 children aged between 6 years and 8 months and 17 years and 1 month (M = 10 years and 5 months). Behavioral problems were assessed with Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL). Results Our sample had higher scores on the CBCL than the general population; specific elevations were observed including somatic complaints, aggressive behavior, social problems, attention problems, and thought problems and rule-breaking behavior. Behavioral functioning varied by number of surgical procedures, type of craniosynostosis, and age at first surgery. Conclusion For school-aged NSC children's behavioral functioning, diagnosis specific patterns especially impacted by the first age of the surgery and number of surgeries.