Social skills of children with 22q11 Deletion Syndrome: A social
cognitive neuroscience approach The 22q11 DS is the most common
genetic deletion syndrome. The deletion is believed to result in
the dysregulation of the dopamine, GABA, and glutamate systems
which, in turn, affects the prefrontal cortex, associated
circuitry, and cognitive abilities governed by these brain
regions. Research suggests that 22q11 DS children experience
attention and executive function deficits; clinical observation
also suggests impaired social abilities. This study sought to
empirically identify if 22q11 DS children experience social
skills, executive function, and/or executive attention
impairments, and how these skills may be associated. A social
cognitive neuroscience approach was used that attempted to
relate these three areas of functioning (neurochemical,
neurocognitive, and social). ^ The study was conducted as part
of a longitudinal project at Rockefeller University. Fifty-one
22q11 DS children and 30 control participants