Neuropsychological Profiles of Neglected Children

Background: Although maltreatment is associated with a wide array of cognitive impairments, few neuropsychological data are available concerning neglected children. Because they represent a highly heterogeneous group, the main goal of this study was to identify cognitive profiles in neglected children using valid neuropsychological measures. Method: One hundred and forty-three children (74 boys and 69 girls) aged from 6 to 12 years and involved with Child Protection Services for parental neglect were individually evaluated for research purposes. Profiles were obtained through cluster analyses based on neuropsychological measures assessing motor inhibition, resistance to distractors, receptive language, verbal fluency, visual memory, verbal memory, planning, problem solving, abstraction, and integrated executive functions. Results: Five cognitive profiles emerged from the analyses, characterized with either: 1) generalized impairments on all cognitive functions; 2) lower inhibition, verbal memory, problem solving, abstraction and integrated executive functions; 3) difficulties with resistance to distractors and verbal memory; 4) deficits in verbal fluency and verbal memory; or 5) preserved performances in all cognitive functions. Conclusion: Overall, the present study confirms that a high cognitive heterogeneity exists among neglected children and it provides a better description of more specific profiles. These results should help establishing more specific neuropsychological treatment plans.