Adaptive Behavior in Young Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Neurofibromatosis-1 is the most common single gene disorder affecting 1 in 3000. In children, it is associated not only with physical features but also with attention and learning problems. Research has identified a downward shift in intellectual functioning as well, but to date, there are no publis...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bonita P. Klein-Tasman, Alina M. Colon, Natalie Brei, Faye van der Fluit, Christina L. Casnar, Kelly M. Janke, Donald Basel, Dawn H. Siegel, Jasmine A. Walker
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2013-01-01
Series:International Journal of Pediatrics
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/690432
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Neurofibromatosis-1 is the most common single gene disorder affecting 1 in 3000. In children, it is associated not only with physical features but also with attention and learning problems. Research has identified a downward shift in intellectual functioning as well, but to date, there are no published studies about the everyday adaptive behavior of children with NF1. In this study, parental reports of adaptive behavior of 61 children with NF1 ages 3 through 8 were compared to an unaffected contrast group (n=55) that comprised siblings and community members. Significant group differences in adaptive skills were evident and were largely related to group differences in intellectual functioning. In a subsample of children with average-range intellectual functioning, group differences in parent-reported motor skills were apparent even after controlling statistically for group differences in intellectual functioning. The implications of the findings for the care of children with NF1 are discussed.
ISSN:1687-9740
1687-9759