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Visual–spatial performance deficits in children with neurofibromatosis type‐1
Author(s) -
Schrimsher Gregory W.,
Billingsley Rebecca L.,
Slopis John M.,
Moore Bartlett D.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
american journal of medical genetics part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.064
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1552-4833
pISSN - 1552-4825
DOI - 10.1002/ajmg.a.20048
Subject(s) - neurofibromatosis , neurofibromatosis type 2 , medicine , psychology , audiology , radiology
Abstract Neurofibromatosis type‐1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder associated with a variety of medical complications, cognitive impairments, and behavioral problems including a high incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The current study examined the hypotheses that deficits in visual–spatial/motor abilities enable one to discriminate and classify children with NF1 (n = 101) compared to control children (n = 37), beyond effects secondary to parent reported ADHD symptomology. Discriminant analysis showed a multivariate combination of visual–spatial/motor ability tests (Judgment of Line Orientation, Block Design subtest of the WISC‐III, Recognition–Discrimination Test, Beery Visual–Motor Integration Test) to be a significant predictor of NF1 diagnostic status ( P = 0.4; canonical R 2 = 0.2306). A significantly greater degree of ADHD behavior was found in the NF1 group, and a discriminant analysis using ADHD residualized visual–spatial motor scores indicated that the combination of tests continued to be a significant predictor of group membership after the level of ADHD behavior was controlled ( P = 0.00002 and a canonical R 2 = 0.1818). This combination of tests proved to be a strong discriminator of NF1. It correctly identified 90% of individuals with the diagnosis, and may be useful to educators to provide assistance and alternatives to minimize the impact of learning problems in those with either known or suspected NF1. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.