Neurofibromatosis type 1 and autism spectrum disorder

To determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).

Second-phase population-based epidemiologic study using an allcase NF1 registry in a defined UK 4.1 million population area. A total of 109 (52.7%) of 207 responders from the initial screening phase were grouped by using the parent-rated Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) as significant ASD (SRS≥76; n = 32), moderate ASD (SRS ≥ 60<76; n = 29), or non-ASD (SRS <60, n = 48). Twenty-three cases from the significant ASD group, 16 from moderate ASD, and 8 from non-ASD (total n = 47), invited proportionately by random selection, were seen for detailed confirmatory ascertainment. Assessments on Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-Generic, and verbal IQ were combined by using standard Collaborative Program for Excellence in Autism criteria into an ASD categorization for each case (ASD, broad ASD with partial features, non-ASD). A preplanned weighted analysis was used to derive prevalence estimates for the whole population.

Fourteen (29.5%) of 47 showed ASD, 13 (27.7%) broad ASD, and 20 (42.5%) non-ASD. The ASD/broad ASD group showed male predominance (1.7:1.0), but did not differ significantly from the non-ASD group on IQ, age, socioeconomic status, inheritance, physical severity, or education. The population prevalence estimate is 24.9% ASD (95% confidence interval 13.1%-42.1%) and 20.8% broad ASD (95% confidence interval 10.0%-38.1%); a total of 45.7% showing some ASD spectrum phenotype.

Findings indicate high prevalence of ASD in NF1, with implications for clinical practice and further research into NF1 as a single-gene model for autism.