Children and adolescents with Neurofibromatosis type 1, or NF1, face significant academic challenges that go beyond its association with tumors in the nervous system. NF1 is a genetic condition that can cause changes in skin pigmentation, growth of benign tumors along nerves, and complications affecting brain development, which often lead to learning and attention difficulties.

A meta-analysis led by Assistant Professor Yang Hou, Ph.D., and her Development, Environment and Resilience (DEaR) Lab reviewed 39 studies with data from more than 3,600 individuals with NF1 and 15,000 without, offering one of the most comprehensive evaluations to date.

Children with NF1 consistently scored lower in reading, writing and math compared with their peers, with the largest gaps in reading subskills such as pseudoword and word reading.

The study highlights factors (e.g., lower IQ) that may worsen these challenges. Researchers say tailored interventions and long-term studies are critical to improving educational outcomes for children living with NF1.