Cerebral Palsy: A Lifelong Challenge Asks for Early Intervention.

One of the oldest and probably well-known examples of cerebral palsy is the mummy of the Pharaoh Siptah about 1196-1190 B.C., and a letter from Hippocrates (460-390 B.

The efficacy of cognitive training programs in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis.

Background: Cognitive therapies are intended to improve basic cognitive functions, whatever the cause of the deficiency may be. Children and adolescents with various cognitive deficits are treated with behavioral therapeutic and computer-supported training programs. We here report the first meta-analysis of the efficacy of such programs.

[Effectiveness of parent training for children with ADHD in routine clinical practice].

Studies on the effectiveness of parent trainings, especially for children treated with stimulants, yielded conflicting results. This study investigated the effectiveness of parent training (PT) as a part of routine clinical care. Compared to a waitlist control (n=16) PT-mothers (n=16) reported significantly fewer ADHD-symptoms, better acceptance of their children and a trend to better relationship satisfaction.

[Neuropsychological assessment of ADHD subtypes].

Starting from a discussion of the validity of neuropsychological methods for the diagnosis of ADHD the results of an own study are presented. What is the diagnostic value of the German version of the CPT (Continuous Performance Task) and the DAT (Dortmunder Aufmerksamkeitstest) in discriminating ADHD subtypes (according to DSM-IV) and in which areas do the children of each subtype differ from a control group of normal children? The computer versions of the CPT and DAT were administered to 14 boys with the "combined subtype" of ADHD, 14 boys with the "predominantly inattentive type" of ADHD and 18 boys without clinical signs; all groups were matched in age and intelligence. Subsequently the mean differences between the various test parameters were assessed as to their significance.

The novel Rho-GTPase activating gene MEGAP/ srGAP3 has a putative role in severe mental retardation.

In the last few years, several genes involved in X-specific mental retardation (MR) have been identified by using genetic analysis. Although it is likely that additional genes responsible for idiopathic MR are also localized on the autosomes, cloning and characterization of such genes have been elusive so far. Here, we report the isolation of a previously uncharacterized gene, MEGAP, which is disrupted and functionally inactivated by a translocation breakpoint in a patient who shares some characteristic clinical features, such as hypotonia and severe MR, with the 3p(-) syndrome.