Adaptive behavior in young children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Int J Pediatr 2013;2013:690432
Date
12/19/2013Pubmed ID
24348581Pubmed Central ID
PMC3852810DOI
10.1155/2013/690432Abstract
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.
Author List
Klein-Tasman BP, Colon AM, Brei N, van der Fluit F, Casnar CL, Janke KM, Basel D, Siegel DH, Walker JAAuthors
Donald Basel MD Chief, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinBonita Klein-Tasman BA,MA,PhD Professor in the Psychology department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
