Children and Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis 1

Social Competence in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Relationships with Psychopathology and Cognitive Ability

“…In relation to the first aim, in line with our hypothesis (Hypothesis 1), the social competence of children with NF1 differed significantly from that of typically developing children. Children with NF1 were rated by their parents as having significantly poorer overall social competence, replicating findings from previous studies using less comprehensive measures [8,9,37]. However, the present study extended existing findings by providing additional information as to the specific nature of these social competence deficits.…”

“…In general, informant reports of social and emotional functioning in children with NF1 indicate a high incidence of social and behavioural problems [5,8,36,37]. Furthermore, several studies have documented discrepancies between self-report ratings of social skills and informant (parent and teacher) ratings, suggesting that children with NF1 may perhaps lack awareness of their own social and behavioural difficulties [8,36].…”

“…Previous research on social competence in children with NF1 has relied heavily on the Social Problems and Social Competence indices of the CBCL [8,9,37]. While this is a valid, reliable, standardised and commercially available measure, only four items across both of these indices directly address the quantity and quality of children's friendships with their same-age peers 2 , with the remainder of the items relating to behaviour and personality characteristics (e.g.…”

Treatment of ADHD in neurofibromatosis type 1

“…Previous studies have not revealed a specific profile of learning disabilities in children with NF1 (Eldridge et al 1989, Ferner 1994, Legius et al 1994, Moore et al 1994, Dilts et al 1996. Recently, evidence of depressed performance in verbal and non-verbal tasks (North 1999), as well as impaired global language in children with NF1 with learning disabilities (Cutting et al 2000) has been reported.…”

“…While café-au-lait spots and neurofibromas are of mainly cosmetic significance, learning difficulties in children with NF1 may result in failure to achieve their full academic and social potential, and thus cause more serious problems , Dilts et al 1996, North et al 1997a). Previous studies have not revealed a specific profile of learning disabilities in children with NF1 (Eldridge et al 1989, Ferner 1994, Legius et al 1994, Moore et al 1994, Dilts et al 1996.…”