Can specific deficits in executive functioning explain the behavioral characteristics of CHARGE syndrome: a case study.

I present the case of a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. As an infant she had shown typical characteristics of CHARGE. Neuroimaging revealed asymmetrical ventriculomegaly. Both her teacher and parents reported academic and psychosocial problems. Neuropsychological assessment revealed significant executive dysfunction, including attention difficulties. We discuss the possible association between executive deficits and school and psychosocial problems. This case also highlights the importance of evaluating executive function in children with CHARGE, which is particularly useful in efficiently identifying needs for direct intervention. (C) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.