Speech-language characteristics of children with neurofibromatosis type 1

Delays in speech and articulation development have been found in school-aged children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This report examines speech and language skills of preschool children with NF1. Nineteen 3- to 5-year-old children diagnosed with NF1 were assessed using measures of articulation (GFTA-2), and receptive and expressive language (CELF-P2). Significant differences were observed between mean scores obtained by the group of children with NF1 compared to the validated controls from the speech and language instruments (P < or = 0.009). Sixty-eight percent of the children exhibited delays in speech and/or language. Thirty-two percent demonstrated delays in articulation, 37% percent demonstrated delays in receptive language, and 37% exhibited delays in expressive language. Sixteen percent of the children exhibited a voice disorder and 42% were judged to have a resonance problem. No significant differences were observed on any of the measures of speech and language for children with non-familial versus familial NF1. Results of this study support the need for early assessment of speech and language problems for children diagnosed with NF1 and implementation of appropriate timely intervention as needed.