Executive functions in preschool-aged children with neurofibromatosis type 1: Value for early assessment. Issue 2 (7th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beaussart-Corbat, Marie-Laure; Barbarot, Sébastien; Farges, Denis; Martin, Ludovic; Roy, Arnaud
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology. Volume 43:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2021-02-07
• Subjects: Neurofibromatosis type 1 -- executive functions -- preschooler -- BRIEF-P (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Preschool) -- performance-based tests; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2021.1893277
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1380-3395

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Executive functions (EFs) impairment is common in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and could be a significant vulnerability associated with this medical disorder. However, we still know little about EFs in preschool NF1. Our study assessed EFs in NF1 children using performance-based tests and daily life questionnaires, which combined the views of parents and teachers. Method: Seven classic experimental tasks were used to evaluate EFs in 33 NF1 children aged 3 to 5 years old, and BRIEF-P questionnaires were completed by their parents and teachers. These children's performance was compared with a control group of 52 healthy children matched in age, gender and socio-cultural status. Results: NF1 children have significantly lower scores for 5 out of 7 executive tasks than control children and significantly higher levels of EF concerns in the parent and teacher BRIEF-P ratings. The correlations between performance-based tests and questionnaires are weak. Conclusions: Our results support an early executive dysfunction in NF1 children and call for early and systematic assessment of EFs. Both performance-based tests and questionnaires are complementary tools to investigate early EFs dysfunction in children with NF1.