Neurofibromatosis: implications for learning and behavior

Abstract

Learning and behavior problems occur frequently in children with neurofibromatosis (NF), although, to the best of our knowledge, no one has described the types of problems encountered. This paper presents psychological test data on 23 NF children referred to a Learning Disorders Clinic. A high incidence of visual-perceptual disability was found in isolation (56%) or in conjunction with language deficits (30%). This pattern was found to differ from that seen in children with developmental learning disorders, without NF. The need for physicians to incorporate questions about learning and behavior into their history-taking process is stressed.