Psychoeducational implications of West Syndrome (infantile spasm) for primary school children

ABSTRACTWest Syndrome is a severe, early-onset epilepsy syndrome, with significant implications for subsequent neurological and cognitive development. While most children with a prior diagnosis of West Syndrome initially follow a normal developmental trajectory, there is evidence of subsequent emergence of clusters of difficulties, including autism features, behavioural problems and specific learning difficulties. A multiple case study approach was adopted to investigate the cognitive, academic, adaptive and behavioural functioning of five children, aged 8−13, with a prior diagnosis of West Syndrome, who were attending mainstream schools. A striking similarity across psychological profiles was observed. Despite generally functioning within the low average or average range, participants presented with delays in aspects of literacy, numeracy, and adaptive and behavioural functioning. The findings of this study indicate long-term neurological sequelae of a previous diagnosis of West Syndrome which need to be...