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Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
Published in: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Neurofibromatosis Type 1 | Research

Pilot study of the effectiveness of a telehealth group for improving peer relationships for adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1

Authors: Danielle M. Glad, Sara K. Pardej, Ellen Olszewski, Bonita P. Klein-Tasman

Published in: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Interventions for social difficulties have not been investigated in the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) population despite observations of elevated rates of social difficulties. In this pilot study, the effectiveness of a 14-week telehealth PEERS® intervention with nineteen adolescents with NF1 (Mage=13.79 years, SD = 1.32) with social skills difficulties was examined. Measures of social outcomes were completed at three timepoints (before, immediately after, and at 14-week follow-up).

Results

Caregiver-reported social-emotional skills, social impairment, caregiver-reported number of adolescent get-togethers, and teen social knowledge showed significant improvement following the intervention.

Conclusions

The PEERS® intervention is promising to support the social and friendship skills of adolescents with NF1 who have social difficulties.
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Metadata
Title
Pilot study of the effectiveness of a telehealth group for improving peer relationships for adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors
Danielle M. Glad
Sara K. Pardej
Ellen Olszewski
Bonita P. Klein-Tasman
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1750-1172
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-024-03093-1

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