Cognitive abilities and behavioural characteristics of children with idiopathic infantile hypercalcaemia.

An investigation of the psychological characteristics of 44 children aged 6-16 years with documented evidence of idiopathic infantile hypercalcaemia revealed cognitive abilities and behavioural patterns which distinguish these children from other mentally handicapped groups. The children were all mildly to severely mentally handicapped, but exhibited superior verbal skills compared to their visuo-spatial and motor abilities. They showed high rates of behavioural disturbance, particularly in terms of hyperactivity, social isolation, anxiety, and eating and sleeping difficulties. Other aspects of behaviour, spoken language and personality that were commonly encountered are also described and quantified. From these observations approaches to remedial teaching are suggested.