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Leisure Activities in Prader-Wlli Syndrome: Implications for Health, Cognition and Adaptive Functioning

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Abstract

Although hyperphagia and compulsivity in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are well described, recreation and adaptive skills are relatively unexplored. Parents of 123 participants with PWS (4–48 years) completed measures of their child’s adaptive, recreation, and problem behaviors. Offspring received cognitive testing. Watching TV was the most frequent recreational activity, and was associated with compulsivity and skin picking. BMIs were negatively correlated with physical play, and highest in those who watched TV and played computer games. Computer games and physical activities were associated with higher IQ and adaptive scores. People with PWS and other disabilities need to watch less TV and be more engaged in physical activities, games, and leisure pursuits that are fun, and may bring cognitive or adaptive advantages.

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Acknowledgments

The author thanks the families who graciously participated in this research, as well as Elizabeth Roof, MA, Senior Research Scientist, and Research Assistants Grace Kulbaba and Lauren Deisenroth for their expertise in collecting data and working with families. The author is grateful to Robert Hodapp, PhD for his feedback on an earlier draft of this manuscript. This work was supported by NICHD Grants R01HD035684, U54 HD061222, and P30HD015052.

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  1. Departments of Psychology and Human Development, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Peabody Box 40, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA

    Elisabeth M. Dykens

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Correspondence to Elisabeth M. Dykens.

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Dykens, E.M. Leisure Activities in Prader-Wlli Syndrome: Implications for Health, Cognition and Adaptive Functioning. J Autism Dev Disord 44, 294–302 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1462-7

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