title: Behaviour in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: cognition, executive function, attention, emotion, and social competence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This systematic review aimed to pull together the findings from research into behavioural systems and attention in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and to identify areas that need further study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant papers were identified through searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE) and manual searches through reference lists. In total, 5746 articles were identified and 57 met the inclusion criteria. The data were synthesized using the narrative approach, as the studies varied considerably in terms of participants and measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the review showed that intelligence, academic skills, visuospatial skills, social competence, and attention are impaired in children with NF1. Evidence of deficits in memory, motor functioning, language, and executive functions was less clear.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research has made marked progress in outlining the behavioural phenotype of NF1. However, although the general areas of impairment are becoming better known, the exact nature of the impairment is still not understood in many areas of behaviour. Care needs to be taken with the way in which behavioural constructs are defined and measured, and the variability of problems in NF1 is a particular challenge. Nevertheless, research is steadily moving towards comprehensive understanding of behaviour in children with NF1.
authors.affiliation:  Genetic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester.
authors.forename: Annukka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lehtonen
authors.affiliation:  Paediatric Psychosocial Department, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Howie
authors.affiliation:  Genetic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester.
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Trump
authors.affiliation:  Genetic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester.
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Huson
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition; D004644:Emotions; D056344:Executive Function; D006801:Humans; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012917:Social Adjustment