Speech fluency in neurofibromatosis type 1.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder with an estimated prevalence of about 1/3000. Several authors mention the occurrence of various types of speech abnormalities associated with NF1. The present study investigated speech fluency in 21 Dutch speaking adults with NF1. Speech samples were collected in five different speaking modalities (spontaneous speech, monologue, repetition, automatic series and reading) and subsequently analysed for type, number and distribution of dysfluencies. It was found that dysfluencies are a common feature of the speech of individuals with NF1. Although stuttering appears to occur in some NF1 patients, as a group, they display a dysfluency pattern that is not identical to stuttering. Educationalobjectives: The reader will be able to (1) summarize the clinical characteristics, prevalence and genetics of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and (2) describe the dysfluent behaviour displayed by individuals with NF1 regarding frequency, type and distribution of the dysfluencies.
Cosyns
Marjan
M
Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Logopaedic and Audiologic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital 2P1, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Marjan.Cosyns@ugent.be <Marjan.Cosyns@ugent.be>
Mortier
Geert
G
Janssens
Sandra
S
Saharan
Nidhi
N
Stevens
Elien
E
Van Borsel
John
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001184:Articulation Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000150:complications*; D013060:Speech; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D013342:Stuttering / Q000150:complications; D055815:Young Adult