Visual–spatial performance deficits in children with neurofibromatosis type‐1

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.