Risk Factors for Bullying Victimization in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).

Peter L Stavinoha,Cody Solesbee,Steven Svoboda,Laura J Klesse,Alice Ann Holland,Susan M Swearer

doi:10.3390/children8020145

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal disorder associated with numerous physical stigmata. Children with NF1 are at known risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), academic struggles, and significant social difficulties and adverse social outcomes, including bullying victimization. The primary aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with bullying victimization in children with NF1 to better inform clinicians regarding targets for prevention and clinical intervention. Children and a parent completed questionnaires assessing the bully victim status, and parents completed a measure of ADHD symptoms. Analyses were completed separately for parent-reported victimization of the child and the child’s self-report of victimization. According to the parent report, results suggest ADHD symptoms are a significant risk factor for these children being a target of bullying. Findings for academic disability were not conclusive, nor were findings related to having a parent with NF1. Findings indicate the need for further research into possible risk factors for social victimization in children with NF1. Results provide preliminary evidence that may guide clinicians working with children with NF1 and their parents in identifying higher-risk profiles that may warrant earlier and more intensive intervention to mitigate later risk for bullying victimization.

Highlights

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene [1]
The risk model results based on the parent report indicate that behavioral manifestations consistent with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are the most significant factor in predicting bullying victimization within this sample of youth with NF1
Higher ratings of ADHD symptoms more than doubled the odds of bullying victimization based on the parent report, and for the child report of bully victimization, odds of reported victimization increased by 1.60 times based on ADHD symptom ratings

Summary

Introduction

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene [1]. NF1 has an incidence rate of approximately. Clinical manifestations of the disorder include café-au-lait macules, axillary freckling, and neurofibromas and an increased risk of malignancies [4,5]. The clinical expression of the disorder varies widely, as some patients demonstrate numerous and prominent physical stigmata whereas others have only mild cutaneous manifestations [6,7]. With approximately 30–50% of youth with NF1 diagnosed with comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [5]. Visuospatial difficulties are common, and there is evidence of language, memory, and executive dysfunction as well [8]. Academic/school problems occur in as many as 75%

Objectives

Results

Conclusion