Computerized Cognitive Skills Training for Adolescents With Velocardiofacial Syndrome
Condition: Velocardiofacial Syndrome
MeSH terms: DiGeorge Syndrome; Syndrome
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study will test a computer-based treatment for youth with the genetic disorder
      velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) to help them improve skills in memory, attention, and
      executive functioning.
    

Detailed description: 
      Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is a genetic condition caused by deletion of a segment of
      the 22nd chromosome at the location 22q11.2. VCFS is characterized by a combination of
      medical problems related to the palate (velo) and the heart (cardio) and by a distinct facial
      appearance. Also common in people with VCFS, among other problems, are learning and speech
      difficulties. These difficulties are specifically categorized as deficits in attention,
      working memory, and executive functioning. This study will develop and test a computer-based
      intervention for adolescents with VCFS that will teach them cognitive skills to lessen these
      deficits.

      This study will have three phases. In the first phase, the intervention will be pilot tested
      with an in-person coach. In the second phase, the intervention will be pilot tested remotely
      with a video-conferencing coach. In the third phase, the intervention will be delivered
      remotely, and testing will be expanded to include more participants and a longer assessment
      period. Information on participant drop-out and level of difficulty will be gathered and used
      to refine the treatment between phases.

      Participation in Phase 1 will last 6 months. At study entry, participants will complete
      baseline measures that involve a structured diagnostic interview to assess behavioral or
      emotional difficulties and cognitive testing to assess intellectual functioning. Then they
      will meet with a study training coach three times a week at their homes. During these
      sessions, participants will complete exercises in the Challenging our Minds program, a
      computer-based system designed to improve learning. Exercises will develop skills in seven
      domains: attention, decision making, memory, understanding relationships between objects,
      problem solving, communication, and social perception.

      Participation in Phase 2 will last 6 to 9 months. Participants in this phase will complete
      the same baseline measures that occurred at study entry and then complete exercises in
      Challenging our Minds three times a week. Instead of having a training coach come to their
      homes, participants in Phase 2 will work with a training coach via video-conferencing
      software.

      Participation in Phase 3 will last 2 years. Participants will undergo assessments at four
      points: at baseline, after 9 months, after 18 months, and after 27 months. These assessments
      will include the baseline measures from the previous phases as well as a virtual reality
      computer task. Between their visits at 9 and 18 months, participants will work with a
      training coach via video conferencing three times a week to complete the Challenging our
      Minds exercises.
    

Intervention name(s): Challenging Our Minds Program
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): A computerized cognitive intervention that provides training in attention, memory, and executive function
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: VCFS; Chromosome 22q Deletion Syndrome; Learning Disorders