Perceptual-motor functioning in children with phenylketonuria
E. Koff, P. Boyle and S. M. Pueschel
Children with treated phenylketonuria (PKU) have been described as being at
high risk for perceptual-motor dysfunction. In this study, the Wechsler
Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and the Bender Gestalt test were
administered to 19 school age children with treated PKU and of average
intelligence who have been off diet from five months to six years four
months. Perceptual-motor performance was evaluated, and school functioning
was rated by classroom teachers. Substantial impairment of perceptual-motor
functioning as measured by the Bender Gestalt test and lower WISC
performance IQs than verbal IQs were observed in children of average
intelligence. Quality of dietary control was found to be associated with
performance on the Bender Gestalt test. These findings suggest the
possibility of a specific deficit that could seriously interfere with
academic progress, but which is not signalled by obvious impairment of
overall intellectual functioning.
