Condition
Pediatric Learning Disabilities and Neurofibromatosis
As many as 80% of all children with neurofibromatosis will have associated difficulties that affect learning, including attention problems, memory problems, spatial perception difficulties, and selective problems in reading or mathematics. These learning disabilities may dramatically affect the lives of children with neurofibromatosis; however it is believed that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to better outcomes.
Although researchers do not fully understand why neurofibromatosis type 1 is associated with cognitive disabilities, the same gene defect that has been associated with tumors (a loss of the NF1 gene) seems to underlie these difficulties, as the lack of the NF1 gene results in abnormal growth and maturation of the brain and abnormal brain circuitry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are learning disabilities in children diagnosed?
How are learning disabilities in children treated?
Providers Who Treat Learning Disabilities and Neurofibromatosis
- Helping Maddie to Live Life to the Fullest
Maddie is a lively, creative teen who loves to act. Research at Children's National Hospital helps to ensure that her rare disease doesn"t upstage her big theater plans or her love of life.
Departments that Treat Learning Disabilities and Neurofibromatosis
Neurology
Our pediatric neuroscience team is the largest in the country, allowing us to offer our vast experience to patients and families.