2018 Gatlinburg Conference Symposium Submission

Overview: In recent years, researchers have increasingly emphasized the role of developmental processes in the formation of behavioral phenotypes in young children with neurogenetic disorders (Edgin et al., 2015; Fidler, 2005; Fidler, Lunkenheimer & Hahn, 2011; Karmiloff-Smith, 2011). From this perspective, early developmental profiles may facilitate or constrain a child’s development, and can become magnified into pronounced areas of strength and weakness throughout the lifespan (KarmiloffSmith, 2011). This symposium will focus on new empirical examinations of phenotypic profiles in Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome during the early childhood years. Topics include early neuropsychological correlates of cognitive development in infants with Down syndrome, early self-regulatory aspects of temperament in infants with Down syndrome, and motor and physiological influences on early development in fragile X syndrome. The work presented will help identify very early targets for intervention and facilitate the development of treatment approaches to strengthen areas of potential vulnerability.