Patterns of performance of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 on the K-CPT and K-CPT 2

Abstract

Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) often have attention difficulties with emerging evidence that these difficulties can be seen even in early childhood. This study aimed to explore the relative utility of two versions of a commonly used computerized attention measure for young children with NF1 and to explore relations with parent-reported attention in young children with NF1. Two independent samples of young children with NF1 participated. One sample (Study 1; N = 22; M_age = 4.95 (SD = 0.66)) completed the Conner's Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT). A second and separate sample (Study 2; N = 19; M_age = 5.46 (SD = 0.74)) completed the K-CPT second edition (K-CPT 2). Relations of the K-CPT and K-CPT 2 with concurrent parent-reported attention (Kiddie Disruptive Behavior Disorder Schedule; Conners parent report questionnaires) were explored. The K-CPT sample's scores significantly differed from the normative median on Commissions, Hit Rate Standard Error, Variability, Detectability, Perseverations, and Hit Rate Inter Stimulus Interval. No relations with parent-report were identified. The K-CPT 2 sample's scores were significantly worse than normative data on every score except Hit Rate Block Change. Multiple scores on the K-CPT 2 were significantly related to parent-report of inattention and hyperactivity with some evidence of construct validity for the distinction between inattention and hyperactivity. The K-CPT 2 may be more useful for the assessment of attention problems in young children with NF1 as more challenges were observed and performance was more closely related to parent-reported attention difficulties than its predecessor the K-CPT.

Keywords: ADHD; Neurofibromatosis 1; attention; early childhood; preschool.